Particle Dynamics

Abstract

In Newtonian mechanics, a particle is described as an object that is characterized by certain properties. The most important characteristics of a particle are its mass, position, velocity, and acceleration. In this chapter, it is shown how a particle follows a well defined classical trajectory. The main characteristics of the dynamics of particles such as linear and angular momentum, force, energy, moment of inertia, and torque are presented. An understanding of these effects is essential in understanding and appreciating the laws of quantum mechanics. As an example of the Newtonian mechanics, the motion of an electron in electric and magnetic fields experiencing Lorentz force is discussed. This example explains how Thomson discovered the electron in the late nineteenth century.