Classical Mechanics

PH341, Spring 2007

 

Instructor:      Anne J Cox                                                      coxaj@eckerd.edu

                        SHC104B                                                        x8435

Office Hours: M:2:00-4:00; TTh:1:15-4:45.  Other times by appt (from 8:45am-5:00pm)

 

Text: Taylor, Classical Mechanics, 2005.

 

Objective:  Upon completing this course, I want you to understand basic classical mechanical systems.  This means applying Newton’s laws and conservation laws to systems.  Along the way you will need to use a variety of mathematical tools because this course is essentially Fundamental Physics I with the mathematics.  As we go, we will develop these tools and, hopefully, your ability to solve complex problems.

 

Topics: Newton’s Laws, conservation of energy, central forces, conservation of momentum, translational and rotational dynamics, and Langragians.  In your textbook, this means most of chapters 1-11.

 

Evaluation:     WarmUps & Wiki:       10%                

                        Homework:                  10%                

                        Tests (2):                      40%     (20% each)     

                        Project:                        10%                

                        Final:                            30%

 

The course evaluation tools are, of course, to allow me to evaluate your work and assign a final course grade, but, just as important, they are designed to help you learn the course material.  WarmUps, due prior to every class, are web-based pre-class questions based on the reading assignments.  These help both of us prepare for class as they force you to prepare adequately for class and they help me understand what you are finding confusing.  Not surprisingly, working homework problems is crucial: you can not claim that you understand physics without being able to solve problems.  Tests are times to review and synthesize (not to memorize: you will be allowed an equation sheet: whatever the class has posted on the course Wiki).  A final project is an opportunity for you to apply what you’ve learned to problem of your choosing.  Taken together, my hope is that they will help you develop a solid understanding of the specific topics covered in this class.

 

Academic Dishonesty:  I will not tolerate academic dishonesty in any form.  Generally speaking, academic dishonesty is claiming work as your own when it is not, in fact, your work.  You may (and should) work with others on WarmUps and homework problems, but turning in someone else’s work with your name on or copying someone else’s work on a test it is not acceptable.  The consequence of academic dishonesty is an F in the course as well as a letter detailing the offense sent to the Registrar to be put in your file.

 

Easy Java Simulations: Computer modeling tool: http://www.um.es/fem/Ejs/.

Tentative Schedule:

 

Week of

Topic

Text

Jan 30

Newton’s laws (review)

Chapter 1

Feb 6

Projectiles

Chapter 2

Feb 13

Conservation: p, L and E

Chapter 3, 4.1-4.3

Feb 20

Energy

4.4-4.10

Feb 27

Oscillations

Chapter 5

Mar 6

Oscillations (con’t); Test 1

Ch 1-5

Mar 13

Calculus of Variations

Chapter 6

Mar 20

Spring break

 

Mar 27

Lagragians

7.1-7.7

Apr 3

Central Forces

8.1-8.6

Apr 10

Central Forces & Noninertial Frames

8.6-8.8; 9.1-9.4

Apr 17

Noninertial Frames & Test 2

9.4-9.8

Apr 24

Rigid Body Rotation

Chapter 10

May 1

Coupled Oscillators

Chapter 11

May 8

Project presentations

 

May 15

Final exam