Dynamics of a Multiple-Body System and Law of Conservation of Momentum

Lecture Description

The dynamics of a many-body system is examined. Through a variety of examples, the professor demonstrates how to locate the center of mass and how to evaluate it for a number of objects. Finally, the Law of Conservation of Momentum is introduced and discussed. The lecture ends with problems of collision in one dimension focusing on the totally elastic and totally inelastic cases.

Course Description

This course provides a thorough introduction to the principles and methods of physics for students who have good preparation in physics and mathematics. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and quantitative reasoning. This course covers Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, gravitation, thermodynamics, and waves.

Related Resources

Lecture Transcript, Reading Assignment, Handouts, and Problem Sets

Course Index

1. Course Introduction and Newtonian Mechanics
2. Vectors in Multiple Dimensions
3. Newton's Laws of Motion
4. Newton's Laws (cont.) and Inclined Planes
5. Work-Energy Theorem and Law of Conservation of Energy
6. Law of Conservation of Energy in Higher Dimensions
7. Kepler's Laws
8. Dynamics of a Multiple-Body System and Law of Conservation of Momentum
9. Rotations, Part I: Dynamics of Rigid Bodies
10. Rotations, Part II: Parallel Axis Theorem
11. Torque
12. Introduction to Relativity
13. Lorentz Transformation
14. Introduction to the Four-Vector
15. Four-Vector in Relativity
16. The Taylor Series and Other Mathematical Concepts
17. Simple Harmonic Motion
18. Simple Harmonic Motion (cont.) and Introduction to Waves
19. Waves
20. Fluid Dynamics and Statics and Bernoulli's Equation
21. Thermodynamics
22. The Boltzmann Constant and First Law of Thermodynamics
23. The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Carnot's Engine
24. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (cont.) and Entropy