Free online courseClassical Mechanics

Course Description

The "Classical Mechanics" course explores the foundational principles and applications of classical mechanics over an extensive duration of 18 hours and 22 minutes. Despite being a comprehensive course, it currently doesn't have any reviews. Categorized under Professional Courses and specifically within the subcategory of Engineering and Mechanics, this course delves deeply into various crucial aspects of classical mechanics.

Beginning with an introduction to the fundamental concepts, the course progresses into the distinction between vectors and scalars, extending into vector operators and coordinate systems. These initial subjects lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of more complex topics. Attention to vectors includes their magnitude, direction, and decomposition into components, essential for translating between different representations.

Throughout the first weeks, students familiarize themselves with one-dimensional motion, covering coordinate systems, position vectors, and displacement concepts. The introduction to kinematics includes both average and instantaneous velocity, essential for understanding the nature of motion over time. Worked examples, such as derivatives in kinematics, provide practical insights into theoretical concepts.

As the course advances, acceleration and its properties are discussed, including one-dimensional acceleration and integration techniques. The transition to two-dimensional motion introduces the intricacies of position vectors and accelerations in 2D, supplemented by engaging demonstrations like projectile motion and relative motion scenarios.

The course rigorously addresses Newton's Laws, delving into the first, second, and third laws, and their implications in various frames of reference. The comprehensive exploration of gravitational laws and contact forces further enriches the understanding of physical forces. The coverage of static friction, tension, and pulley systems presents critical knowledge for solving real-world engineering problems.

Weeks are structured to ensure a coherent and progressive learning experience. Topics such as polar coordinates, circular motion, angular velocity, and acceleration form the basis for understanding complex rotational dynamics. Uniform circular motion and its associated forces provide an essential context for grasping advanced mechanics principles.

Following the study of circular motion, students engage with momentum, impulse, the center of mass, and related equations. Practical examples and problem-solving sessions deepen the understanding of theoretical concepts. Special focus on rocket problems and the mechanics of collision provides a practical approach to learning momentum dynamics.

In subsequent weeks, the course dives into rigid body dynamics, rotations, moments of inertia, and the impact of torque. The interplay between translation and rotation, the dynamics of rolling objects, and friction considerations culminate in a robust understanding of mechanical systems in motion.

The concluding segments explore the conservation laws, work-energy principles, and the deep physical insights into potential energy, mechanical energy, and energy state diagrams. Students learn to interpret complex energy diagrams and understand the stability of equilibrium points through detailed worked examples and problem-solving sessions.

In essence, the Classical Mechanics course is meticulously designed to cover a wide spectrum of subjects, ensuring a comprehensive learning journey for those seeking professional knowledge in engineering and mechanics. Whether understanding the elegance of Newton's laws or the complexities of rotational dynamics, this course provides a solid foundation and advanced insights into classical mechanics.