Course Description
The mechanics of particles and rigid bodies is developed using generalized coordinates, D'Alembert's principle and Hamilton's principle. Symmetry principles and conservation laws are emphasized.
Athena Title
CLASSICAL MECHAN I
Prerequisite
PHYS 4102/6102
Corequisite
PHYS 8401
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The first of a two-semester sequence that introduces the formal structure and applications of classical mechanics. The main emphasis will be on the aspects of Lagrangian mechanics including rotations, symmetries, and oscillations. Mathematical techniques mastered by students in this course will be useful for the study of other areas of theoretical physics.
Topical Outline
1. Elementary principles; 2. Variational principles and Lagrange's equations; 3. Central force problems; 4. Rigid body motion; 5. Special Relativity.
Syllabus
Public CV