PHY 4010 Classical Mechanics

This course focuses on applications of Newtonian mechanics, and on an introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian treatments of classical mechanics. Students explore variational principles, conservation laws, and contemporary approaches to dynamical systems.

Credits

4 sh

Prerequisite

PHY 3510

Course Types

Science; Laboratory; Advanced Studies

Notes

Laboratory included. Offered every three semesters, in rotation with PHY 4100 and PHY 4030.

Course Outcomes

1. • Review Newton’s Laws and apply them in various situations, such as oscillation and motion with friction
2. • Develop an appreciation of dynamics in a conservative force field
3. • Connect one particle dynamics with dynamics of extended systems
4. • Study the Lagrangian/Hamiltonian approach to motion and the applications of Euler-Lagrange equations.
5. • Model physical systems to build an understanding of the systems' properties.