Mechanics. Textbook on theoretical physics I. 8. ed.

This textbook provides an introduction to theoretical mechanics and is intended for physics students attending this course. Firstly, it introduces the basic concepts such as point of mass, trajectory, and reference system, as well as Newton's axioms. The focus is on the Lagrangian formalism, conserved quantities, Hamilton's principle, Noether's theorem, and the main applications (motion in the central potential, rigid body dynamics, harmonic oscillations). The Hamiltonian formalism will be needed later for quantum mechanics. The extensive field of continuum mechanics is introduced with some exemplary applications (string vibration, beam bending, sound waves). The last 70 pages of the book are devoted to special relativity. The strengths of this book lies in its concise and compact presentation of the lecture material, which is always understandable. The new edition is enriched by a clear and detailed discussion of the proper relation between the Newtonian force and the Minkowski force. The author gives the formal derivation of the correct relation and discusses the practical and logical relevance of the different statements in the literature.