DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS — COURSE SYLLABUS &
LECTURE NOTES
Course Code: PHYS-101: Fundamental Principles of Classical Mechanics
Academic Year: 2025–2026 | Module: Dynamics and Kinematics
1. Introduction to Newtonian Kinematics
Classical mechanics describes the motion of macroscopic objects, from projectiles to parts of machinery,
and astronomical objects, such as spacecraft, planets, stars, and galaxies. Kinematics is the branch of
classical mechanics that describes the motion of points, bodies (objects), and systems of bodies without
considering the forces that cause them to move.
1.1 Equations of Uniformly Accelerated Motion
For a particle moving with constant acceleration a along a straight line, the kinematic relationships are
given by the standard differential equations of motion:
v(t) = v₀ + a · t
x(t) = x₀ + v₀ · t + ½ · a · t²
v² = v₀² + 2a(x - x₀)
2. Fundamental Quantities and SI Units
The International System of Units (SI) specifies seven base units from which all other mechanical
quantities are derived.
Physical Quantity
Symbol
SI Base Unit
Dimensional Formula
Displacement
x, r
Meter (m)
[L]
Velocity
v
Meters per second (m/s)
[L T⁻¹]
Acceleration
a
Meters per second squared (m/s²)
[L T⁻²]
Force
F
Newton (N = kg·m/s²)
[M L T⁻²]
Kinetic Energy
Ek
Joule (J = kg·m²/s²)
[M L² T⁻²]
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3. Laboratory Exercise & Problem Set
Problem 1: A body of mass m = 5.0 kg is released from rest at a height h = 20.0 m above the
ground. Neglecting air resistance (assume g = 9.81 m/s²):
1. Calculate the time taken for the object to reach the ground.
2. Determine the final kinetic energy of the object immediately before impact.
Solution Sketch:
Using h = ½ g t², we solve for time: t = √(2h / g) = √(40.0 / 9.81) ≈ 2.02 s.
Using conservation of mechanical energy: E_k = m · g · h = 5.0 · 9.81 · 20.0 = 981 J.
4. Summary and Key Takeaways
• Classical mechanics remains an accurate approximation for non-relativistic speeds (v << c).
• Systematic application of Newton's laws requires defining a valid inertial reference frame.
• Conservation of total mechanical energy holds in all conservative force fields.
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