Download PHYSICS DEPARTMENT Syllabus: Phys 217 (3 cr.) – Mechanics

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
Syllabus: Phys 217 (3 cr.) – Mechanics
Textbook: Classical Mechanics, 5th Ed. (Kibble & Berkshire)
1.
Vectors, Matrices & Coordinate Transformations
Vector calculus with application to kinematics. Orthogonal transformations.
2.
Newtonian Mechanics of Single Particle
Newton’s laws of motion and frame of references. Equation of motion for a particle subject to a
variable force, being a function of position, or of velocity.
3.
Oscillations
Particle subject to a force as a function of time. Simple harmonic motion (SHM). Dample
harmonic motion. Harmonic motion in two dimensions. Forced oscillation.
4.
Nonlinear Oscillations
Phase diagram. Method of perturbation for solving non-linear oscillations. Method of successive
approximation. Chaotic oscillations.
5.
Elements of Calculus of Variation
Derivation of the Euler’s equation.
6.
Hamilton’s Principle, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
Generalized coordinates. Hamilton’s principle. Lagrange’s equation of motion. Hamilton’s
equation of motion.
7.
Central Forces
General solution of the central force problem. Differential equation of the orbit. Inverse-square
law (Kepler’s problem). Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. Stability of circular orbits.
8.
Non-inertial Systems
Dynamics of a particle in a rotating coordinate system. Coriolis force. Centrifugal force. Projectile
motion with rotation. Foucault pendulum.
9.
Dynamics of a System of Particles
Linear and angular momentum. Energy of a system of particles. Elastic and inelastic collisions.
Introduction to scattering.
10.
Mechanics of Rigid Bodies
Rotation of a rigid body. Moment of inertia. Physical pendulum. Laminar motion of rigid bodies.
11.
Introduction to Coupled Oscillations
Coupled pendulum. Coupled oscillators and normal modes.
Pre-requisite: Math 202