Mechanics course
Mechanics is the science that studies the movement of material bodies, the interaction between them, and the conditions of equilibrium of systems of bodies. This is a very important course because it provides the foundation for understanding all other topics. For example, kinematics is used in molecular physics to derive the molecular kinetic theory of gases, there are many analogies with mechanics in electricity and magnetism, and it is impossible to understand the concepts of quantum physics without prior knowledge of this science. At this stage, it is important to acquire basic skills and a good understanding of the methods of physical thinking.
This course combines a theoretical foundation and a practical part very well. You will learn how to use the skills acquired not only to solve school problems, but also to build your own projects based on physical laws.
PROGRAM
- One-dimensional kinematics
Concepts of path, trajectory, displacement, velocity. Uniform rectilinear motion. Instantaneous and average speed.
Acceleration and deceleration. Uniformly accelerated rectilinear motion. Special case: vertical motion under the action of gravity. Equation of equally accelerated motion. - Two-dimensional kinematics
Motion of projections in the Cartesian coordinate system. Motion of a body along a parabola under the action of gravity. Examples of calculations: maximum distance and height of flight.
Uniform motion in a circle. Period, frequency, cyclic frequency, centripetal acceleration. Some examples: speeds of the center and rims of a disk, work with pulleys.
Intermediate exam I - The concept of force
Newton’s laws. Superposition of forces → equal force. Inertial reference systems.
Reaction force of a support. Weight and weightlessness. Some examples: movement in an elevator. The force of elasticity. Hooke’s law. Series and parallel connection of springs.
The force of friction. Rest → sliding. Rolling friction force. - Statics | Dynamics of a system of bodies
Dynamics of body movement in a circle.
Conditions of equilibrium. Simple mechanisms.
Intermediate exam II - Impulse | Work | Power
Work and power. “Golden rule of mechanics”. Kinetic and potential energy.
Momentum. The law of conservation of momentum. The law of conservation of mechanical energy.