Learning Physics

[xavram]

I'm trying to get my feet wet with the physics component of TV and I was wondering if there is any resources/documentation that spells out the difference between things like "AddImpulse" vs "AddForce".  I know the TV Documenation for 6.5 is still not complete but is there anything that I could use as a jumping off point for the physics?

Thanks

[TroM]

Since TV3D is using Newton, I guess the Newton site would be a good place : http://newtondynamics.com/forum/newton.php

[xavram]

Bummer, their explanation for things like Impulse vs Force aren't exactly revealing..."Applies a force to the body"...great 

[ZaPPZion]

Video physics classes:
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-01Physics-IFall1999/VideoLectures/index.htm

They are awesome, the teacher is a genius

[Mithrandir]

AddForce applies force, which means that a new force will be pushing the body in given direction (ie body keeps accelerating as if constantly being pushed, as described by Newton).

AddImpulse applies force during one time instance. It is something like hitting the body and then leaving alone (ie no further acceleration is applied).

In short:
AddForce - employ someone who will push the body constantly
AddImpluse - kick the body

You can also get AddForce effect by repeatedly calling AddImpulse.

[jviper]

Video physics classes:
http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Physics/8-01Physics-IFall1999/VideoLectures/index.htm

They are awesome, the teacher is a genius

From what I've seen in those vidoes, it would help if you know calculus.

[ZaPPZion]

True true, but isn't that the whole point?  being able to calculate things yourself, so you can then simplify them and work them out on the pc? instead of just copy-pasting stuff?  there's no challenge in that