Classical Mechanics by Leonard Susskind, George Hrabovsky
  • 1. Classical Mechanics by Leonard Susskind and George Hrabovsky is an engaging and comprehensive textbook that presents the principles of classical mechanics with a modern perspective rooted in theoretical foundations. The authors, renowned physicists with a passion for education and pedagogy, aim to provide readers with a deep understanding of the subject by emphasizing both the conceptual framework and the mathematical tools required to solve a wide range of problems. The book begins with classical concepts such as Newton's laws of motion, before progressing to more advanced topics like Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, which are treated with a clarity that makes intricate ideas accessible to students. Through a series of carefully worked examples and problem sets, readers are encouraged to think critically and develop a robust problem-solving strategy. The text also integrates historical insights and the development of mechanics throughout time, enriching the learning experience. With its clear explanations and thorough approach, Classical Mechanics serves not only as a foundational resource for undergraduate physics courses but also appeals to anyone interested in the beauty and intricacies of motion and forces in the physical world.

    What is the principle of least action?
A) A principle stating energy is conserved in a closed system.
B) A principle stating that the path taken by a system is the one for which the action is minimized.
C) A rule governing the motion of planets.
D) A law that describes electromagnetic interactions.
  • 2. What does Newton's first law state?
A) Energy can neither be created nor destroyed.
B) Force equals mass times acceleration.
C) An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by a force.
D) Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.
  • 3. In classical mechanics, what is momentum defined as?
A) The force applied over time.
B) The rate of change of position.
C) The energy of motion.
D) The product of an object's mass and its velocity.
  • 4. What does the term 'work' refer to in physics?
A) The instantaneous rate of energy change.
B) The force times the velocity.
C) The total energy stored in an object.
D) The product of the force and the displacement in the direction of the force.
  • 5. What does Hooke's law describe?
A) The energy required to maintain constant velocity.
B) The force needed to extend or compress a spring is proportional to the distance it is stretched.
C) The relationship between heat and work.
D) The behavior of fluids in motion.
  • 6. What is angular momentum?
A) The linear momentum of an object in circular motion.
B) The force applied perpendicular to the radius.
C) The total energy of a rotating system.
D) The product of an object's moment of inertia and angular velocity.
  • 7. What is meant by 'conservation of energy'?
A) Only kinetic energy is conserved in collisions.
B) Kinetic energy is always greater than potential energy.
C) Energy can be created from nothing.
D) The total energy in an isolated system remains constant.
  • 8. What describes harmonic motion?
A) Uniform circular motion.
B) Random motion without a pattern.
C) Any motion caused by external force.
D) Motion that repeats regularly in time.
  • 9. What does the term 'inertia' refer to?
A) The energy required to stop a moving object.
B) The force needed to set an object in motion.
C) The resistance of an object to any change in its motion.
D) The gravitational pull on an object.
  • 10. What is the significance of the mass-energy equivalence?
A) E = mc2, indicating mass can be converted to energy.
B) Mass is a measure of gravitational force.
C) Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
D) Energy is always constant.
  • 11. What is rotational motion?
A) Linear motion along a straight path.
B) Vertical motion of falling objects.
C) Motion of an object around an axis.
D) Any motion resisted by friction.
  • 12. How is altitude related to gravitational potential energy?
A) Potential energy is constant regardless of altitude.
B) Only mass affects gravitational potential energy.
C) Height does not affect gravitational force.
D) Gravitational potential energy increases with height.
  • 13. What does a net positive work result in?
A) A constant energy state.
B) No effect on energy change.
C) An increase in the system's energy.
D) A decrease in the system's energy.
  • 14. Who formulated the laws of motion?
A) Isaac Newton
B) Albert Einstein
C) James Clerk Maxwell
D) Galileo Galilei
  • 15. What unit is used to measure force?
A) Watt
B) Joule
C) Pascal
D) Newton
  • 16. Which law describes the conservation of momentum?
A) Newton's Third Law
B) Newton's First Law
C) Newton's Second Law
D) Law of conservation of energy
  • 17. What is the relationship between force and acceleration?
A) F = m/g
B) F = ma
C) F = ma2
D) F = mv
  • 18. What term describes the curved path of an object in motion?
A) Displacement
B) Orbit
C) Velocity
D) Trajectory
  • 19. Which law relates to inertia?
A) Newton's First Law
B) Law of universal gravitation
C) Newton's Second Law
D) Newton's Third Law
  • 20. What is the unit of work?
A) Joule
B) Newton
C) Pascal
D) Watt
Created with That Quiz — where test making and test taking are made easy for math and other subject areas.