Classical Mechanics with Maxima

• Main Authors: Timberlake, Todd Keene (Author), Mixon, J. Wilson (Author)
• Corporate Author: SpringerLink (Online service)
• Format: Electronic eBook
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY : Springer New York : Imprint: Springer, 2016.
• Edition: 1st ed. 2016.
• Series: Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics,
• Subjects: Physics.; Algebra.; Mathematical physics.; Computer mathematics.; Mechanics.; Mathematical Methods in Physics.; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences.; General Algebraic Systems.; Computational Mathematics and Numerical Analysis.
• Physical Description: XI, 258 p. 156 illus. online resource.
• ISBN: 9781493932078
• ISSN: 2192-4791

This book guides undergraduate students in the use of Maxima—a computer algebra system—in solving problems in classical mechanics. It functions well as a supplement to a typical classical mechanics textbook. When it comes to problems that are too difficult to solve by hand, computer algebra systems that can perform symbolic mathematical manipulations are a valuable tool. Maxima is particularly attractive in that it is open-source, multiple-platform software that students can download and install free of charge. Lessons learned and capabilities developed using Maxima are easily transferred to other, proprietary software.