Mediaspace scheduled maintenance: Aug 25, 2026 07:00 - 12:00 AM. During this time, videos will be temporarily unavailable. Check status updates.

Lecture

Introduction and Historical Perspective, Vectors and Kinematics

In course

PHYS-101(d): General physics : mechanics

Le but du cours de physique générale est de donner à l'étudiant les notions de base nécessaires à la compréhension des phénomènes physiques. L'objectif est atteint lorsque l'étudiant est capable de prévoir quantitativement les conséquences de ces phénomène ...

Description

This lecture covers the historical perspective of calculating machines, differential and integral calculus, and the triumph of classical mechanics. It also delves into the concept of vectors, kinematics, and the laws of physics applied mathematically to model physical systems.

Instructor

Philippe Müllhaupt

Official source

Related concepts (32)

Calculus

Calculus is the mathematical study of continuous change, in the same way that geometry is the study of shape, and algebra is the study of generalizations of arithmetic operations. It has two major branches, differential calculus and integral calculus; the former concerns instantaneous rates of change, and the slopes of curves, while the latter concerns accumulation of quantities, and areas under or between curves.

Kinematics

Kinematics is a subfield of physics, developed in classical mechanics, that describes the motion of points, bodies (objects), and systems of bodies (groups of objects) without considering the forces that cause them to move. Kinematics, as a field of study, is often referred to as the "geometry of motion" and is occasionally seen as a branch of mathematics. A kinematics problem begins by describing the geometry of the system and declaring the initial conditions of any known values of position, velocity and/or acceleration of points within the system.

Euclidean vector

In mathematics, physics, and engineering, a Euclidean vector or simply a vector (sometimes called a geometric vector or spatial vector) is a geometric object that has magnitude (or length) and direction. Vectors can be added to other vectors according to vector algebra. A Euclidean vector is frequently represented by a directed line segment, or graphically as an arrow connecting an initial point A with a terminal point B, and denoted by . A vector is what is needed to "carry" the point A to the point B; the Latin word vector means "carrier".

Inverse kinematics

In computer animation and robotics, inverse kinematics is the mathematical process of calculating the variable joint parameters needed to place the end of a kinematic chain, such as a robot manipulator or animation character's skeleton, in a given position and orientation relative to the start of the chain. Given joint parameters, the position and orientation of the chain's end, e.g. the hand of the character or robot, can typically be calculated directly using multiple applications of trigonometric formulas, a process known as forward kinematics.

Differential calculus

In mathematics, differential calculus is a subfield of calculus that studies the rates at which quantities change. It is one of the two traditional divisions of calculus, the other being integral calculus—the study of the area beneath a curve. The primary objects of study in differential calculus are the derivative of a function, related notions such as the differential, and their applications. The derivative of a function at a chosen input value describes the rate of change of the function near that input value.

Related lectures (47)

General Physics I: Mechanics

Covers laws of dynamics, coordinates, applications of Newton's laws, work, energy, collisions, central motion, Kepler's laws, and mathematical modeling in physics.

Continuum Mechanics: Tensor Analysis and Kinematics

Covers tensor analysis, kinematics, and fluid mechanics in continuum mechanics.

Vectors and Kinematics

Introduces vectors in a solid reference frame and explains the importance of determinants in interpreting vector products and coordinate changes.

Introduction to Mechanics: Concepts and Applications

Covers fundamental mechanics concepts, emphasizing the application of Newton's laws and the importance of choosing the right reference frame for describing motion.

Introduction to Relativity