@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ alt: Introduction to particle and continuum mechanics
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In this book, you'll find an introduction into the physics of mechanical systems. The material in the book has evolved from lecture notes on courses in introductory physics I have taught at TU Delft since 2012. In most cases, not all of the material covered in the book were discussed in the lectures. In particular sections indicated with a star are extra material, for those interested in learning more. The chapters also do not necessarily be taught or read in the order I have presented them. For example, many of the concepts of {numref}`ch:oscillations` can be understood based on the material covered in {numref}`ch:mechanicsintroduction`-{numref}`ch:energy`. There are thus multiple paths you can take, and I encourage you to look ahead sometimes to see how what is yet to come ties in with what is discussed at a given point in the book. If you need refresher on some of the mathematical techniques, {numref}`app:math` contains some useful background maths. Throughout, I've tried to alternate theory with worked examples, to give you an idea about what you can actually do with the theory just developed.
Roughly the first part of this book ({numref}`ch:mechanicsintroduction`-{numref}`ch:oscillations` and {numref}`ch:waves`) also appear in *[Mechanics and Relativity](https://textbooks.open.tudelft.nl/textbooks/catalog/book/14)* (TU Delft Open, 2018). Where applicable, I've made corrections and occasional small extensions, which will also appear in an updated version of *Mechanics and Relativity*, together with the extra {numref}`ch:Lagrangianmechanics` on Lagrangian mechanics. In turn, the new chapters on continuum materials connect to the MSc-level book I'm currently writing on soft matter physics.
Roughly the first part of this book ({numref}`ch:mechanicsintroduction`-{numref}`ch:oscillations` and {numref}`ch:waves`) and parts of the mathematical appendix ({numref}`app:math`) also appear in *[Mechanics and Relativity](https://textbooks.open.tudelft.nl/textbooks/catalog/book/14)* (TU Delft Open, 2018). Where applicable, I've made corrections and occasional small extensions, which will also appear in an updated version of *Mechanics and Relativity*, together with the extra {numref}`ch:Lagrangianmechanics` on Lagrangian mechanics. In turn, the new chapters on continuum materials connect to the MSc-level book I'm currently writing on soft matter physics.
Students often ask me how to best study for an exam. Here are three key steps to successfully completing any course in physics (or probably any field of study), which for maximum effect, are best taken throughout the course:
- **Prepare**: Read the assigned sections before the class, look at the problems before the tutorial.