Any compilation of all classical physics concepts?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of classical physics concepts such as momentum, force, and energy, highlighting the importance of calculus in understanding these relationships. The user expresses difficulty in linking these concepts due to their separate teaching methods. They suggest that a deeper comprehension of formulas, including their derivations and implications, is crucial for mastering classical physics. Resources like MIT's OpenCourseWare and Walter Lewin's YouTube lectures are recommended for comprehensive learning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical physics concepts such as momentum, force, and energy.
  • Basic knowledge of calculus, particularly differentiation and integration.
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion, especially F=ma.
  • Access to educational resources like MIT OpenCourseWare and online lecture videos.
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore MIT OpenCourseWare for Physics I and II to gain structured knowledge.
  • Watch Walter Lewin's YouTube lectures to see derivations of classical physics formulas.
  • Study calculus applications in physics, focusing on differentiation and integration techniques.
  • Practice linking multiple classical physics concepts through problem-solving exercises.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of classical physics through interconnected concepts and calculus.

tahayassen
Messages
269
Reaction score
1
I understand many classical physics concepts but I feel like my understanding of the concepts are all scattered. I can't seem to make links between concepts. For example: I understand momentum, forces and energy, but I have trouble making any links between the ideas (other than the link that work is just force times a distance). It doesn't help that the concepts are always taught separately and the problems usually only involve a maximum of 2 concepts at a time.

Is there any resource or video like the one below but for classical physics?


Maybe it has to do with my understanding of physics? My current understanding is that classical physics uses not very much calculus, but according to wikipedia:

Physics makes particular use of calculus; all concepts in classical mechanics and electromagnetism are interrelated through calculus. The mass of an object of known density, the moment of inertia of objects, as well as the total energy of an object within a conservative field can be found by the use of calculus.

So maybe I can link concepts with calculus?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Do you know how these formula's were derived?
Knowing just a formula vs. KNOWING a formula (how it was derived, its consequences ect..) will lead to a much deeper knowledge. (you probably know this)

Example: What is momentum? - It is the product of the mass of a body and its velocity.
How does it relate to force?
Well, let's day a force (F) pushes on a body for a time (t), the momentum of the body will be changed by a certain amount (due to how long its pushed on).
So we say: Δp=FΔt,
then we look at this from calculus differentiate it: F=dp/dt! but then one says, ohh...the change in p depends on a certain time! so, let's factor in t1 and t2
So then we can say: Δp= from t1 to t2 \int F(t)dt !
Then you can see from this, we get: F=m(dv/dt) and since we know (dv/dt)=acceleration,
then you can say: F=ma, and you have derived Newtons second law

MIT has open course ware on physics I and II and they are a wealth of information. Walter Lewin derives many formulas with calculus and algebra. You can find the video's for free on youtube.
 
Last edited:
Video 1 of many:
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
  • · Replies 327 ·
11
Replies
327
Views
14K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 114 ·
4
Replies
114
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K