Newtonian Mechanics, derivations simplified

*I had no idea the video quality was this bad...my apologies for anyone that can't read what the hell I'm writing. It's just me babbling anyway, so it's not that important.


I have a lot of qualms with the way physics is taught in the beginning courses of University. I feel too much time is devoted to the introduction classes which turn students away from making to the "real" physics courses later on.

Newtonian mechanics is something that I have a particular beef with. Everything shown in this lecture will be dragged out over a period of 8 weeks or more with much less clarity. I'm always amazed at the number of students who've taken Physics I and have no idea how the equations are derived.

You do not have to memorize a myriad of useless formulas. Once you see how they're all related, there will be much less confusion during your "plug and chug" homework assignments.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Physics
• Newton
• Einstein
• String
• Theory
• Justin
• Harris
• newtonian
• mechanics

[gorpkaiser]

And despite your noble attempt to derive everything from F=ma, your "derivation" of the kinematic equations have nothing whatsoever to do with F=ma.

[troponinnutrition]

Yes they do. The kinematic equations just cancel the mass.

My attempt was in no way "noble" either.

[gorpkaiser]

You complain that "Everything shown in this lecture will be dragged out over a period of 8 weeks or more with much less clarity." Less clarity? LOL. These concepts are very difficult when first approached, and if they were compressed as you seem to suggest, no one would understand anything.

Also no one would understand the limitations, e.g. that these sloppy derivations are only valid for constant acceleration and force.

[troponinnutrition]

So, you're saying that all the cases in which these relations are not valid are explained and derived in a typical Physics I class?

In a typical Physics I course, each equation will be presented such that the majority of the students see no relation between the other equations they've been taught.

Eventually they are taught the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism and never see the relations of classical mechanics and where they meet QM at the classical limit.

[arshigtx]

Holy fuck dude you are a hero. A passion for mathematics and an insane bodybuilder? Man, I thought I was the only one who shared the same interests...

[popping01]

hey mr harris.....im studying in the uk im doing alevels mechanics, core maths and physics and im sure you just went through a few SUVAT equations and yeah it does take approxiametly 6 weeks to teach that...nicely done by the way

[Daiquiri420]

Justin Harris... possible superman? Man of science, musician, and Beast-like strength

[justinklucko]

you're so full of shit

[andysomethinsomethin]

true that..id like to be a trainer someday...right now my friend just turned me on to crossfit which has a pretty intense diet part to it which can be tough to stick too sometimes so ill get like 1 cheat meal a week

[troponinnutrition]

Yeah, I think they're top 25 in Physiology, Anatomy, neurobiology, and a couple of other bio-chem areas. Pretty much all the Biology/Physiology areas. Definitely a good school if you're interested in Kinesiology!

[andysomethinsomethin]

yea lol well i heard that the university of kentucky had like one of the top kinesiology programs in the country