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Predicting Motion presents the core ideas of Newtonian mechanics, starting from Newton's laws and the idea that changes in motion are predictable given the forces that cause them. Concepts such as kinetics and potential energy, linear momentum, torque (the rotational analogue of force) and angular momentum are carefully introduced, and their role in predicting motion explained. Particular attention is given to the significance of differential equations in making such predictions, though no prior knowledge of this topic is required. The treatment of mechanics is brought up to date by accounts of relativistic collisions and the implications of chaos theory for the future of the Solar System and for galaxies that contain black holes. "Predicting Motion" is in a series of books which, along with interactive multimedia, is used in the Open University course I The Physical World. Each book combines richly illustrated text with questions (and answers) for self-assessment, and is ideally suited for students working independently.
- Forces and Newton's laws: Voyager's odyssey - an example of Newton's laws
- Newton's laws and the definition of force
- Some familiar forces
- Forces and motion
- Closing items
- Work, energy and power: Power
- Escaping the Earth - an application ofenergy
- Work and kinetic energy
- Work and potential energy
- Power
- Energy in oscillating systems
- Closing
- Linear momentum and collisions: Discovering the atomic nucleus - an example
- Linear momentum
- Collisions and conservation laws
- Torque and angularmomentum: Precession - an example of rotational dynamics
- Torque
- Equilibrium and statics
- Rotational energy and moments of inertia
- Angular momentum
- Chaotic motion: Is motion always predictable? What is chaos? Examples of chaos
- Consolidation and skillsdevelopment: Introduction
- Overview of chapters 1 to 5
- Problem-solving skills
- Basic skills and knowledge test
- Interactive questions
- IPhysica problems
- Answers to questions
