Mechanics

Originally published in 1904, this book was written to provide an accessible introduction to the principles of mechanics.

John Cox (Author)

9781107676237, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 May 2014

356 pages
21.7 x 14 x 2.2 cm, 0.49 kg

Originally published in 1904, as part of the Cambridge Physical Series, this book was written to provide an accessible introduction to the principles of mechanics. The text analyses the principles as they developed in chronological order and places them in their historical context, with discussion of pioneering figures. Examples are included, but only where necessary and not in such abundance that they would confuse the reader. Illustrative figures are also incorporated throughout. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in mechanics, physics and the history of science.

Part 1. The Winning of the Principles: 1. Introduction
2. The beginnings of statics. Archimedes. Problem of the lever and of the centre of gravity
2. Experimental verification and applications of the principle of the lever
3. The centre of gravity
4. The balance
5. Stevinus of Bruges. The principle of the inclined plane
6. The parallelogram of forces
7. The principle of virtual work
8. Review of the principles of statics
9. The beginnings of dynamics. Galileo. The problem of falling bodies
10. Huyghens. The problem of uniform motion in a circle. 'Centrifugal force'
11. Final statement of the principles of dynamics. Extension to the motions of the heavenly bodies. The law of universal gravitation. Newton
Part II. Mathematical Statement of the Principles: Introduction
12. Kinematics
13. Kinetics of a particle moving in a straight line. The laws of motion
14. Experimental verification of the laws of motion. Atwood's machine
15. Work and energy
16. The parallelogram law
17. The composition and resolution of forces. Resultant. Component. Equilibrium
18. Forces in one plane
19. Friction
Part III. Application to Various Problems: 20. Motion on an inclined plane. Brachistochrones
21. Projectiles
22. Simple harmonic motion
23. The simple pendulum
24. Central forces. The law of gravitation
25. Impact and impulsive forces
Part IV. The Elements of Rigid Dynamics: 26. The compound pendulum. Huyghens' solution
27. D'alembert's principle
28. Moment of inertia
29. Experimental determination of moments of inertia
30. Determination of the value of gravity by Kater's pendulum
31. The constant of gravitation, or weighing the Earth. The Cavendish experiment
Answers to the examples
Index.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH]