Describing Motion The Physical World

Describing Motion: The Physical World provides the quantitative description of a variety of physically important motions. Starting with simple examples of motion along a line, the book introduces key concepts, such as position, velocity, and acceleration, using the fundamental rules of differential calculus. Topics include the free-fall motion of micro-gravity test vehicles, the trajectories of long-jumpers, and the orbital motion of satellites and space probes. The book also covers several essential mathematical tools.

MOTION ALONG A LINEFrom drop-towers to Oblivion-some applications of linear motionPositions along a lineUniform motion along a lineNonuniform motion along a lineUniformly accelerated motion along a lineMOTION IN A PLANE AND IN SPACELong jumping-an example of motion in a planePosition and displacement in a planeVelocity and acceleration in a planeProjectile motionMotion in spacePERIODIC MOTIONEarth satellites-an example of periodic motionCircular motionSimple harmonic motionOrbital motionClosing motionCONSOLIDATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENTIntroductionOverview of chapters 1 to 3Introducing PhysicaReview of skillsBasic skills and knowledge testInteractive questionsPhysica problemsANSWERS AND COMMENTSACKNOWLEDGMENTSINDEX