Essential Classical Mechanics: Problems and Solutions

"The authors of this book offer a very strong reason for the study of classical mechanics describing it 'as the base on which the whole pyramid of modern physics has been erected' … In order that students can gauge their understanding of the various topics, many exercises are introduced. Some of those should be straightforward whilst others are quite challenging … The authors are to be thanked for delivering a highly readable text which should assure a continued supply of practitioners of classical mechanics and its applications."

Problem solving in physics is not simply a test of understanding, but an integral part of learning. This book contains complete step-by-step solutions for all exercise problems in Essential Classical Mechanics, with succinct chapter-by-chapter summaries of key concepts and formulas. The degree of difficulty with problems varies from quite simple to very challenging; but none too easy, as all problems in physics demand some subtlety of intuition. The emphasis of the book is not so much in acquainting students with various problem-solving techniques as in suggesting ways of thinking. For undergraduate and graduate students, as well as those involved in teaching classical mechanics, this book can be used as a supplementary text or as an independent study aid.