ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses introductory concepts for the study of motion. We classify objects as particles, rigid bodies, and deformable bodies. We discuss systems of units, degrees of freedom, constraints, linearization, dimensional analysis, and the cause-and-effect principle. The chapter presents a broad classification of forces to which dynamical systems are subjected, as well as a preliminary discussion on two problems of special interest to practicing engineers and scientists: vibrations and vehicle motion.
