Introduction to Mechanics, Matter, and Waves

In this book the conservation laws- conservation of mass, momentum, energy, and angular momentum, have been given more than usual emphasis. In fact, collision experiments and momentum conservation not only serve as the starting point but as a central theme through much of the book. The chapter on moving coordinate systems and inertial forces serves both as a summary and as a re examination of the discussion of the basic laws of motion in the first part of this book. Here we have brought out the important role that the coordinate system plays in the description of motion, and the distinction between interaction forces and inertial forces is emphasizes. There is a force tending to push passengers toward the rear of an accelerating car, and there is such a thing as centrifugal force. We feel the time is well spent in having a student see why and from what viewpoint his preconceived notions are right.