vectors

1-1 INTRODUCTION

Classical Mechanics, which is concerned with the motion of objects that are large relative to atoms and move at speeds much slower than the speed of light, sometimes referred to as Newtonian mechanics or simply mechanics. This is an appropriate place to begin an introductory text because many of the basic principles used to understand mechanical systems can later be used to describe such natural phenomena as waves and the transfer of energy by heat. Furthermore, the laws of conservation of energy and momentum introduced in mechanics retain their importance in the fundamental theories of other areas of physics.
Vector quantities are denoted in print by a symbol of arrow to designate a vector.
In this lecturer we study the vector algebra with some formal statements concerning vectors.
This is an appropriate place to begin an introductory text because many of the basic principles used to understand mechanical systems can later be used to describe such natural phenomena as waves and the transfer of energy by heat.