In this section, we cover all the traditional topics of classical mechanics but our ultimate goal is to follow Isaac Newton to the Moon. We want to measure the distance to the Moon, discover the concept of orbit, and measure the mass of the moon. Moon-measuring will drive many of the discoveries we make in this section including the motivation for developing the calculus.
Definition of velocity and acceleration. Problem solving techniques.
Definition of angular velocity and angular acceleration. The relationship between angular and linear mechanics. Problem solving techniques.
Review of vectors, vector operations and the relationship of vectors and physics.
Significant digits, scientific notation, error propagation.
Experimental methods. Falling objects. A relationship between mass and gravity.
Characterizing force. Relationship between force and acceleration. Hypothesis concerning force and acceleration. Scientific method.
Characterizing gravitational force. Relationship between force and mass. Hypothesis concerning force and mass. Scientific method.
Characterizing Torque. Relationship between torque and moment of intertia. Analog with linear force. Scientific method.
Details about moment of intertia. Scientific method.
Principals of dimensional analysis. Reasonableness. Quick answers.
Beginning with the assumption that the Earth is flat, the students will apply the scientific method, disprove the Earth is flat and create an alternative hypothesis.
Based on the hypothesis that the Earth is round, the students will estimate the size of the Earth and then its mass.
Trigonometry will provide the basis for students to measure distances when one end of the measure is inaccessible. We will rotate the measurement and study the use of a theodolite.
This multi-part session will continue the theme of the last session. We will attempt to use a theodolite to find a lower limit of the distance to the Moon.
In this lecture format session, we will introduce the students to some calculus concepts. Although no calculus will be used, the students will be able to understand and, hopefully, show that any extended spherical object with shell-like density symmetry is mathematically equivalent to a point object.
The students will combine two of the force laws to calculate some of the orbital properties of the Moon
We begin the discussion of energy in the form of "work".
We probe the connection between kinetic energy and work with the idea that these quantities are somehow related.
We relate potential energy to kinetic energy and work.
We present the first of the conservation laws of physics. This one is especially important because will appear in every section of physics we study.