Introduction To Classical Mechanics

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introductory course in Newtonian mechanics that stresses invariance principles and the associated conservation laws; Topics include: kinematics of motion, vectors and their application to physical problems, dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, energy and momentum conservation, rotational motion.

COURSE JUSTIFICATION/RATIONALE

The course is designed to provide fundamental concepts and application techniques of Newtonian Mechanics employing rigorous methods of vector calculus which lay the foundation of fluid mechanics and electromagnetic phenomena. The student would also learn important tools to deal with non-inertial frames of references.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

§  Discuss basic mechanics of motion, vectors, force, and to energy and systems of particles

§  Explain classical mechanics in the area of oscillations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

A student completing the course is expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• linear motion of systems of particles (e.g. rocket motion)
• angular momentum for a particle and a system
• moment of inertia and use it in simple problems
• orbit problems using the conservation of angular momentum and total energy
• problems in rotating frames identify normal modes for oscillating systems