Introduction to Classical Mechanics
With Problems and Solutions
This textbook covers all the standard introductory topics in classical mechanics,
including Newton’s laws, oscillations, energy, momentum, angular momentum,
planetary motion, and special relativity. It also explores more advanced topics,
such as normal modes, the Lagrangian method, gyroscopic motion, fictitious
forces, 4-vectors, and general relativity.
It contains more than 250 problems with detailed solutions so students can
easily check their understanding of the topic. There are also over 350 unworked
exercises, which are ideal for homework assignments. Password-protected
solutions are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521876223.
The vast number of problems alone makes it an ideal supplementary book for
all levels of undergraduate physics courses in classical mechanics. The text also
includes many additional remarks which discuss issues that are often glossed
over in other textbooks, and it is thoroughly illustrated with more than 600
figures to help demonstrate key concepts.
David Morin is a Lecturer in Physics at Harvard University. He received his
Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics from Harvard in 1996. When not writing
physics limericks or thinking of new problems whose answers involve e or the
golden ratio, he can be found running along the Charles River or hiking in the
White Mountains of New Hampshire.
MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page i — #1
,MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page ii — #2
,Introduction to Classical
Mechanics
With Problems and Solutions
David Morin
Harvard University
MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page iii — #3
, Cambridge University Press
Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo
Cambridge University Press
The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 8RU, UK
Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York
www.cambridge.org
Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521876223
© D. Morin 2007
This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception
and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements,
no reproduction of any part may take place without
the written permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published 2008
Printed in the United Kingdom at the University Press, Cambridge
A catalog record for this publication is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-0-521-87622-3 hardback
Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or
accuracy of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referred to
in this publication, and does not guarantee that any content on such
websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page iv — #4
With Problems and Solutions
This textbook covers all the standard introductory topics in classical mechanics,
including Newton’s laws, oscillations, energy, momentum, angular momentum,
planetary motion, and special relativity. It also explores more advanced topics,
such as normal modes, the Lagrangian method, gyroscopic motion, fictitious
forces, 4-vectors, and general relativity.
It contains more than 250 problems with detailed solutions so students can
easily check their understanding of the topic. There are also over 350 unworked
exercises, which are ideal for homework assignments. Password-protected
solutions are available to instructors at www.cambridge.org/9780521876223.
The vast number of problems alone makes it an ideal supplementary book for
all levels of undergraduate physics courses in classical mechanics. The text also
includes many additional remarks which discuss issues that are often glossed
over in other textbooks, and it is thoroughly illustrated with more than 600
figures to help demonstrate key concepts.
David Morin is a Lecturer in Physics at Harvard University. He received his
Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics from Harvard in 1996. When not writing
physics limericks or thinking of new problems whose answers involve e or the
golden ratio, he can be found running along the Charles River or hiking in the
White Mountains of New Hampshire.
MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page i — #1
,MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page ii — #2
,Introduction to Classical
Mechanics
With Problems and Solutions
David Morin
Harvard University
MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page iii — #3
, Cambridge University Press
Cambridge, New York, Melbourne, Madrid, Cape Town, Singapore, São Paulo
Cambridge University Press
The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 8RU, UK
Published in the United States of America by Cambridge University Press, New York
www.cambridge.org
Information on this title: www.cambridge.org/9780521876223
© D. Morin 2007
This publication is in copyright. Subject to statutory exception
and to the provisions of relevant collective licensing agreements,
no reproduction of any part may take place without
the written permission of Cambridge University Press.
First published 2008
Printed in the United Kingdom at the University Press, Cambridge
A catalog record for this publication is available from the British Library
ISBN 978-0-521-87622-3 hardback
Cambridge University Press has no responsibility for the persistence or
accuracy of URLs for external or third-party internet websites referred to
in this publication, and does not guarantee that any content on such
websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.
MORIN: “FM” — 2007/10/9 — 19:08 — page iv — #4
