Hyperphysics Mechanics is a collection of topic modules covering mechanics. It is a subset of the full Hyperphysics site that includes 10 modules covering major subdivisions of physics. Modules include extensive hyperlinks to facilitate navigation between topics; and hyperlinked graphical concept maps are used to show the overall relationships between topics. Interactive examples created with Javascript are extensively employed.
Type of Material:
Reference and supplement to textbooks.
Recommended Uses:
An on-line reference for both instructors and students. Instructors who place homework assignments on the Web may find that links to the topic modules from within their problems are a useful instructional aid.
Technical Requirements:
Browser must support JavaScript
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This site is a comprehensive reference archive covering the topics seen in introductory mechanics courses.
Target Student Population:
High school and lower-division undergraduate.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
High school algebra and trigonometry.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The overall coverage is quite comprehensive, systematic and illustrative. Numerous interactive examples are provided. Particularly noteworthy are those provided as illustrations for Newton's second law.
Concerns:
A few modules take give somewhat non-traditional explanations:
The discussion of variable acceleration includes a detailed module on the case where the acceleration can be expressed as a polynomial in time. This is not of great importance as most physicals systems do not behave in this way.
The discussion of Newton's second law states the law as F = ma and that the expression F = dp/dt is a special case of this. Most physicists view the latter equation as Newton's second law, and F = ma the special case.
This module states that F = ma does not work in the relativistic case where the mass of the object varies while elsewhere the author states (correctly) that relativistic mass is a concept that has limited utility and should probably be avoided in favor of relativistic equations for energy and momentum.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The Hyperphysics site should be a highly useful supplement to any course. Both instructor and student can derive benefits from the site.
Concerns:
None noted.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The user interface is excellent. The concept maps are highly effective aids for finding topics quickly.
Concerns:
None noted.
Creative Commons:
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