In summary, the conversation discusses concerns with the solutions provided on the MIT Open Courseware for classical mechanics in the fall of 2016. The main issue is that the algebraic methods used are invalid, which can be confusing to students even though the correct answers are obtained. This is due to writing a system state as a function of time only, but effectively defining it as a function of two variables. This leads to contradictory equations. The use of ##F=\frac {dp}{dt}## in conjunction with ##\frac{dp}{dt}=m\frac{dv}{dt}+\frac{dm}{dt}v## may have caused this misunderstanding.
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Corrections to
MIT Open Courseware 8-01sc classical mechanics,
fall 2016
Applying Newton’s Laws to systems of Varying Mass
PDF Course Link
My concerns with the solutions provided on the cited MIT Open Courseware web page are, mostly:


Despite arriving at the correct answers, the algebraic methods are invalid. As a result, they can be utterly confusing to the student.
The main flaw, repeated throughout, is writing a system state (momentum) as a function of time only, but effectively defining it as a function of two variables. In some places, this leads to contradictory equations.


This mangled treatment likely results from an attempt to use ##F=\frac {dp}{dt}## in conjunction with ##\frac{dp}{dt}=m\frac{dv}{dt}+\frac{dm}{dt}v##, instead of the...

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That's a bit concerning. I usually take material from MIT as being pretty much 'gospel' !
 
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FAQ: Corrections to MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass

What is the purpose of "Corrections to MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass"?

The purpose of "Corrections to MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass" is to provide updated and corrected information for the MIT Open Courseware course on Systems of Varying Mass. This course covers the principles of dynamics and Newton's laws as they apply to systems of varying mass, and the corrections aim to improve the accuracy and clarity of the course material.

Who created the corrections for "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass"?

The corrections for "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass" were created by a team of experts in the field of dynamics and Newton's laws. These corrections were thoroughly reviewed and approved by MIT faculty before being published.

What types of corrections are included in "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass"?

The corrections in "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass" include updated equations, examples, and explanations to improve the accuracy and clarity of the course material. They also address any errors or inconsistencies found in the original course material.

How can I access the corrections for "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass"?

The corrections for "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass" can be accessed through the MIT Open Courseware website. They are available for free and can be downloaded or viewed online.

Are the corrections for "MIT Open Courseware: Systems of Varying Mass" necessary for understanding the course material?

While the original MIT Open Courseware course on Systems of Varying Mass is still a valuable resource, the corrections provide more accurate and updated information. It is recommended to refer to the corrections while studying the course material to ensure a better understanding of the concepts presented.

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