An introduction to mechanics

Daniel Kleppner, Robert Kolenkow0070350485, 9780070350489

In the years since it was first published, this classic introductory textbook has established itself as one of the best-known and most highly regarded descriptions of Newtonian mechanics. Intended for undergraduate students with foundation skills in mathematics and a deep interest in physics, it systematically lays out the principles of mechanics: vectors, Newton’s laws, momentum, energy, rotational motion, angular momentum and noninertial systems, and includes chapters on central force motion, the harmonic oscillator, and relativity. Numerous worked examples demonstrate how the principles can be applied to a wide range of physical situations, and more than 600 figures illustrate methods for approaching physical problems. The book also contains over 200 challenging problems to help the student develop a strong understanding of the subject. Password-protected solutions are available for instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521198219.

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Table of contents :
CONTENTS……Page 5
1. Vectors and Kinematics – A Few Mathematical Preliminaries……Page 23
2. Newton’s Laws – The Foundations of Newtonian Mechanics……Page 73
3. Momentum……Page 133
4. Work and Energy……Page 173
5. Some Mathematical Aspects of Force and Energy……Page 223
6. Angular Momentum and Fixed Axis Rotation……Page 253
7. Rigid Body Motion……Page 309
8. Noninertial Systems and Fictitious Forces……Page 361
9. Central Force Motion……Page 399
10. The Harmonic Oscillator……Page 431
11. The Special Theory of Relativity……Page 463
12. Relativistic Kinematics……Page 483
13. Relativistic Momentum and Energy……Page 511
14. Four-Vectors and Relativistic Invariance……Page 537
INDEX……Page 561