Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems

by Stephen T. Thornton, Jerry B. Marion

This best-selling classical mechanics text, written for the advanced undergraduate one- or two-semester course, provides a complete account of the classical mechanics of particles, systems of particles, and rigid bodies. The authors make extensive use of vector calculus to explore topics; coverage also includes the Lagrangian formulation of mechanics. Modern notation and terminology are used throughout in support of the text's objective: to facilitate the transition to the quantum theory of physics.

Genres: Physics, Science, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Reference, Technical, School

638 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Mohamed · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the most popular book used in introducing classical mechanics (non-Newtonian approach) for physics undergraduate courses. the book is good as an introductory book but cannot be used alone as the need to be supplemented by lectures is necessary. The organization of the book is a big issue. it gives an intro to the calculus of variation in Chapter 6 and oscillation in chapter 3, what is the hell was the author thinking when he did this?

the important thing at this level is the introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism which is not presented in organized and step by step way. yes it is better than learning for the classic book Classical Mechanicsby Goldstein but still not a very good one compared to Introduction to Classical Mechanics: With Problems and Solutions by Morin.

I would encourage people to use Morin instead of this book especially for self-learning or being undergraduate and getting to this topic for the first time.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you complete every problem in this book you will pass your classical mechanics Ph.D. qualifying exam. I promise.

[Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My TA work is almost done, so I count this over once I finished Chapter 13.

This book has been considered a "standard" since I was an undergraduate, and I never really questioned it since I always thought this sort of topic to be limited in variations (apart from making the questions very difficult). However, given how it was presented, I think I am now convinced that this is not the best book to learn classical mechanics.

It -is- true that this book is detailed enough to give you working knowledge; however, one thing I can be sure of is that for a topic that's very mechanical (no pun intended), this book is not "enjoyable" to read (or at least not as enjoyable as I liked). Even the 1st year undergraduate Modern Physics book (by Young and Freedman) are more enjoyable than this. I think joy in reading is important especially when the "content" is very mechanical. As a comparison, I think David Tong's lecture notes have been very good at doing this, and even my undergraduate lecture notes were a bit more fun to read (I think).

Moral of the story: if you just want techniques and problem solving skills, this book is perfectly fine. But I have a feeling this book will not be the one people can see fun and joy in classical mechanics from, which are essential to cultivate curiosity and motivation to seek further.

[ala · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. Why is this book the standard for undergrad mechanics? I guess Goldstein could be a bit much and Landau is kind of lacking in terms of examples. But, ugh, I say. Uuuuuugghhh!

[Tim Robishaw]

Terrible.

[Jorge-IngFis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Para echar un vistazo a los ejercicios no está mal pero los desarrollos teóricos no consiguen que llegues a entender las formulaciones lagrangiana y hamiltoniana, probablemente porque trata de exponerlas demasiado rápido y no las dedica el espacio necesario, además están muy simplificadas. El Goldstein es mucho más formal y explica todo mucho mejor, lo malo que si no has cursado antes la asignatura puedes verte perdido por falta de algún ejemplo o ejercicio resuelto en algunos puntos.

[Nattapon Chotsisuparat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book seems a little bit harder for an undergraduate-level textbook. Still, it's a good textbook for classical mechanics. Some problems are very challenging to solve and the instructor's solution manual skips some steps. Compared to other textbooks, this book is tougher and filled with formalism. If you want challenging problems, this book is a good choice and may suit you. If you get stuck, don't give up eventually you will understand.

[sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

i close my eyes and i see poisson's equation..........

[Michael Koo · Rating 1 out of 5]

How do I give 0 star

[Greta Hibbard]

Technically I did read it all. Would not recommend

[rosie]

lost a few years off my life but i know what a Lagrangian is now.
this is a good textbook i’m just silly

[trivialchemy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The approach to particle dynamics at this level marks the first exposure for a physics student to a completely self-contained physical theory. And in this particular book, the presentation is as much an aesthetic accomplishment as didactic. With modern notation in stunning typeset, Thornton and Marion guide the student from the most rudimentary linear dynamics of single particles in inertial frames to chaotic oscillations to Hamiltonian dynamics and the study of rigid bodies based upon Eulerian angles.

The microcosm of Hamiltonian and Lagrangian dynamics is especially brilliant, the more so viewed through the lens of the previous chapters' comprehensive theoretical exposition of dynamics from the Newtonian precepts. If there is any weakness it may be the foray into the calculus of variations, which was so eager to demonstrate applications it failed to even explain the formal concept of a functional. But this is so slight a flaw as to hardly bear mentioning. If you are a physics student, buy this book. It's beautiful.

[Cole Jerum · Rating 1 out of 5]

This textbook is actively pedagogically harmful.

It is frankly impressive how much the author manages to complicate subjects and obfuscate any semblance of intuition.

Thornton feels the need to use complex mathematical notation, while poorly explaining how to actually understand the meaning. The most glaring example to me is the way the inertia tensor is taught; rather than giving the rather easy to comprehend 3x3 matrix form, he feels the need to stick it on a single line. The consequence is an equation that, while technically equivalent to the latter form, is incredibly difficult to actually use in practice, thus over-complicating a topic that many students already believe to be difficult.

I could go on, but I have already given this textbook far more time than it deserved this past semester; I refuse to let it claim any more.

[Elise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not suitable as an undergrad text book in my opinion. I consistently got confused in later chapters by either vague wording and a rather tedious mathematical formalism (too many summations and indices where not needed in my experience).

It is also not appropriate for digital use and has a format that's uneasy on the eyes compared to more modern textbooks.

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book going 2 b da same...i'll really need it soon n of cos wil b by my side almost all da time during study week..hehe..perhaps..emm..look at what they hv comment on this book..it's helpful..s long s u know d best way 2 use it..of cos (^^,)

[bamdad Hosseini · Rating 4 out of 5]

its a great text book. most of the chapters are described well in detail except the third chapter which is about Variational methods. i think he should have described it more. the exercises are good

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth edition is outstanding, I used it in my undergraduate mechanics courses, and still use it as a reference. Not as comprehensive as Goldsmith, but more comprehensible.

[Astrila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was just okay... not always clear. There are probably better books out there, but it's not the worst either.

[Nathaniel Shim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found old text book. good read again ..no more exams :(

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy bueno