Mechanics (2nd Ed)_Symon

Mechanics (2nd Edition)
Keith R. Symon (Author)

This text is intended as the basis for an intermediate course in mechanics at the undergraduate level. Such a course, as essential preparation for advanced work in physics, has several major objectives. It must develop in the student a
thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of mechanics. It should treat in detail certain specific problems of primary importance in physics, for example, the harmonic oscillator and the motion of a particle under a central force.

User Review :
This is an excellent introductory text in classical mechanics, which bridges the gap between Freshman physics and advanced texts like Goldstein. It contains a good mix between equations and physical insight and understanding, providing many physical explanations to some concepts that are rarely found in other texts. Due to its considerable scope, the book is quite dense with information (over 600 pages). To keep the number of equations manageable, Symon resorts to skipping many straightforward steps in derivations and to leaving much "as an exercise for the reader". This is not a problem, for in
most cases he leaves sufficient instructions that the careful reader can arrive at the same results, but make sure you have a pen and lots of paper nearby when reading it!
The level of discussion goes well beyond that of Freshman physics, and introduces more realistic complexities such as nonlinearity, precession, non-spherical shapes, etc. At the same time, it does not rely much on advanced mathematics, thus it is easily within the grasp of undergraduate students. Any mathematics beyond Freshman Calculus that is used is Freshman
Calculus is explained in the text. The book covers many topics, among which I found the following to be well-presented:
1. Excellent explanation and philosophical definition of basic quantities like mass, force, and momentum.
2. A brief introduction to vector analysis and coordinate systems.
3. A brief (and excellent) introduction to tensors as they apply in physics.
4. A near complete analysis of the harmonic oscillator in 1, 2, and 3 dimensions, as well as coupled harmonic oscillators.
5. The pendulum and rigid rotations.
6. Moving and rotating coordinate systems.
7. Inertia and free rotation.

Product Details

Paperback: 639 pages
Publisher: Addison-Wesley; 3rd edition (January 11, 1971)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0201073927
ISBN-13: 978-0201073928