Glossary

Non Relativistic Particle

A particle is non relativistic if the velocity of the particle is v << c, with c the velocity of light in vacuum.

Conservative Force

A force F is called conservative if the work done by this force to move a mass between two points is independent of the path taken. If the force is conservative, it can be expressed as F = -grad V, where V is a potential.

Inertial frame of reference

An interial frame of reference is one in which Newton's First Law is valid.

Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of rules for getting mathematics done.

Principle of linear superposition

Suppose a(t) and b(t) are solutions of a linear equation like

[ linear ODE]

Then alpha*a(t) + beta*b(t) is also a solution for arbitrary values of the constants alpha and beta.