Re: [Phys-l] Newton and Snell (was Global evolution as fact)

[William Robertson <wrobert9@ix.netcom.com>]

A good point and, as an aside, one that is applicable in all areas.  
How many students could start from the work-energy theorem and come up  
with the traditional equations of conservation of mechanical energy?  
For that matter, how many students could start with the definition of  
the slope of a line and derive the standard equations of lines, or  
begin with sine and cosine definitions and derive a number of trig  
identities? Not a high percentage, I think.

Bill



On Jan 12, 2011, at 11:41 AM, Dr. Richard Tarara wrote:

> 2)  The kinematics equations can be derived easily from basic  
> definitions.
> Sometimes students get the idea that all our equations are just  
> pulled from
> some body orifice!  ;-)