Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics - Lecture 1

Dive into the fundamentals of physics with this introductory lecture from Yale University's Fundamentals of Physics course. Explore the core principles of Newtonian mechanics, including kinematics and dynamics, as Professor Shankar guides you through key concepts in calculus and their application to particle motion. Learn how to analyze motion using equations like x = x0 + v0t + ½ at2 and v2 = v02+ 2a(x-x0), and understand the physical meaning behind these mathematical representations. Discover the relationship between average and instantaneous rates of motion, examine constant acceleration scenarios, and practice deriving new relations using calculus laws of limits. This comprehensive lecture sets the foundation for understanding the mechanics of motion and prepares you for deeper exploration of physics concepts.