Listed in: Physics and Astronomy, as PHYS-343
Formerly listed as: PHYS-43
Jagu Jagannathan (Section 01)
This course begins with the foundation of classical mechanics as formulated in Newton’s Laws of Motion. We then use Hamilton’s Principle of Least Action to arrive at an alternative formulation of mechanics in which the equations of motion are derived from energies rather than forces. This Lagrangian formulation has many virtues, among them a deeper insight into the connection between symmetries and conservation laws. From the Lagrangian formulation we will move to the Hamiltonian formulation and the discussion of dynamics in phase space, exploring various avenues for the transition from the classical to the quantum theory. We will study motion in a central force field, the derivation of Kepler’s laws of planetary motion from Newton’s law of gravity, two-body collisions, and physics in non-inertial reference frames. Other topics may include the dynamics of driven, damped oscillators, and non-linear dynamics of chaotic systems. Three class hours per week.
Requisite: PHYS 116/123 PHYS 125, MATH 211 or consent of the instructor. Fall semester. Professor Loinaz.
Section 01
Tu 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM SMUD 204
Th 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM SMUD 204
This is preliminary information about books for this course. Please contact your instructor or the Academic Coordinator for the department, before attempting to purchase these books.
| ISBN | Title | Publisher | Author(s) | Comment | Book Store | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Mechanics | John R. Taylor | TBD |