Phy 300

Classical Mechanics Sir Issac Newton

Instructor: Dr. Jose' D'Arruda

Office: Sci 320 Phone 910 521 6247

E-mail Jose@nat.uncp.edu

Text: Marion,Thornton, Classical Dynamics, 4th edition, Harcourt Brace College Publishers

General Description: Mechanics of particles and system of particles. Solution of problems in Newtonian Mechanics, one dimensional motion, linear, damped and driven oscillations; two particle collisions, introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics. Central force motion.

Specific Competencies: Upon completion of the course, the student should acquire the following competencies:

1. Know how to work with vectors and vector calculus . Be able to solve first order linear differential equations. Know how to solve second order linear equations . Know how to applied initial conditions to the solutions of these equation. Know how to make series expansions of a function, and be able to consistently ignore terms of higher order.

2. Have a thorough knowledge of measurement including knowledge of the SI system of units

3. Understanding of Newton Laws of motion and Newton's law of gravitation.

4. Have a general knowledge of inertial frames of reference.

5. Understand Simple Harmonic Oscillators in one and two dimensions, understand phase diagrams, damped oscillations, driven oscillation and other physical systems which show oscillatory motion.

6. Understand the methods of Calculus of variations and Euler's equation.

7. Be able to solve Lagrangian equations and compare these solutions to the solution obtained using the concept of the force and the Newtonian method.

8. Be able to solve the Hamiltonian and see how this formulation leads one to Quantum Mechanic formulation.

9. Understand central force motion and the dynamics of a system of particles.

Topical Outline: 1. Vectors

2. Coordinate Transformations

3. Gradient Operations

4. Newton's Laws

5. Frames of Reference

6. Conservation Theorems

7. Simple Harmonic Oscillators

8. Damped Oscillators

9. Phase Diagrams

10. Sinusoidal Driving Forces

11. Physical System Oscillations

12. Gravitational Potential

13. Lines of Forces and Equipotential Surfaces

14. Euler's Equation

15. Functions with several Dependent Variables

16. Hamilton's Principle

17. Generalized Coordinates

18. Lagrange's Equations of Motions

19. Equivalence of Lagrange's and Newton's Equations

20. Canonical Equations of Motion

21. Hamiltonian Dynamics

22. Reduced Mass

23. Orbits in a Central Field

24. Orbital Dynamics

25. Center of Mass

26. System of particles and Conservation Laws

Methods of Teaching: The Class will be consist of lecture and demonstrations.

Evaluation/Grading: There will be three test and one final. This will account for 80% of the students grade. Homework and class participation will account for 20% of the student grade.