Classical Introduction to Mechanics by K&K

[PFuser1232]

In the first chapter of this book, "Vectors and Kinematics - A few mathematical preliminaries", kinematical equations in both polar and cartesian coordinates are introduced (including acceleration in polar coordinates). However, no reference is made to motion with both translation and rotation. In fact, the term reference frame isn't even defined in chapter one (it is first encountered in chapter two).
Although there's been absolutely no treatment of rigid body rotations and translations in chapter one, there are a couple of questions at the end of the chapter based on drums rolling without slipping on inclined planes, finding angular acceleration, and so on. Granted, the questions are trivial (to someone who already has some knowledge of rigid body rotation), but my knowledge of rigid body dynamics and simultaneous translation and rotation is very limited at the moment. Should I defer solving those questions until I start the chapters on torque and angular momentum? Why are those questions included in chapter one?

 

[jedishrfu]

It would seem they are appropriate for the chapter since this is an established book and that fact that the chapter covered polar coordinates as a review. The specific problem you mention just wants to tie movement down a plane with rotation of the disk. There's no torque or momentum involved.

 

[PFuser1232]

It would seem they are appropriate for the chapter since this is an established book and that fact that the chapter covered polar coordinates as a review. The specific problem you mention just wants to tie movement down a plane with rotation of the disk. There's no torque or momentum involved.

I thought that in chapter one some knowledge of AP Physics is assumed. I have done the UK equivalent of AP Physics, but with absolutely no emphasis on rotational motion. Is it possible to do the questions I have mentioned in my previous post without being exposed to simultaneous translations and rotations beforehand?

 

[Intrastellar]

The book does not assume any mechanics knowledge, it derives everything from scratch (to the best of my memory). I second jedishrfu.