MIT Classical Mechanics

MIT's Classical Mechanics course develops the physical models used to describe motion. Forces, momentum, energy, and rotation are studied through explanations and problems rather than a sequence of isolated formulas. The OpenCourseWare version makes a substantial university course available for independent study with supporting learning materials.

What you will learn

• Model motion with vectors and physical quantities
• Apply Newton's laws
• Reason with conservation of energy and momentum
• Analyze rotational motion and torque

Who this suits

Useful for a learner preparing for university physics or engineering who has strong algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus. The content is not a light popular-science overview. Work the problems alongside the lectures to discover whether you can choose an appropriate model independently.

Before you enroll

The course is an archived teaching offering, not a current MIT enrollment. Independent learners must supply their own study schedule and feedback process. Numerical answers are less useful than a clear diagram, assumptions, units, and an explanation of why a conservation law applies.

Free OpenCourseWare materials. MIT OCW does not award a course certificate or university credit for studying these pages.

Put it into practice

Solve one mechanics problem twice using different approaches, then compare the assumptions and explain why both should describe the same physical result.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 11 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

View the curriculum and current access options at MIT OpenCourseWare.

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