Synopsis:
This is the first of a two-semester sequence on classical mechanics. We will
cover Chapters 1-3 and 5 of Thornton and Marion, with supplemental material
from time to time. Topics include: vectors and matrices, kinematics,
Newtonian mechanics, conservation
laws, oscillations, dimensional analysis and gravitation.
Grading Policy:
There will be homework, posted on the web (either from the book or elsewhere).
This is due at class time on whatever day it is due. Solutions should be complete and legible.
Late homework will be accepted but will have points deducted. Homework constitutes
25% of the grade.
Three tests, in class, will each constitute 15% of the grade.
The final is 30% of the grade. The tests and final will be "open notes".
That is anything in your handwriting is allowed. Calculators are also allowed,
but beware that I will expect to see working on problems
(such as multiplication of matrices).
A guaranteed grading scale has been announced. C(50%), B(65%), A(80%).
Calender of Events
Please do not print this out! It will likely changes as the semester progresses,
depending on how long we take on each subject, how well people do in tests,
etc. The test dates are also preliminary.
1/7 : First lecture Introduction
1/9: Lecture 2 Chapter 1. Vectors
1/12: Lecture 3 Rotation of Coordinates
1/14 Lecture 4 Rotation Matrices
1/16: Lecture 5 Dot Products
1/19 NO CLASS!
1/21: Lecture 6 Cross Product, Levi-Civita density.
1/23: Lecture 7 Acceleration in polar coordinates.
1/26: Lecture 8 Grads, Divs, Curls, Vector Integrations
1/28: Lecture 9 Grads, Divs, Curls etc.
1/30: Lecture 10 Newton's Laws
2/2: Lecture 10a, Retarding forces etc. Discussion of material for Test #1
2/4: Test #1. All material from Chapter 1.
2/6: Lecture 11 Velocity dependent forces
2/9 Lecture 12 Vertical motion including retarding forces.
2/11 Lecture 13 Projectiles
2/13: Lecture 14 Work-Energy Theorem
2/16: Lecture 15 Potential Energies
2/18 Lecture 16 Potential Energies
2/20: Lecture 17 Rocket Motion
2/23: Lecture 18 Dimensional homogeneity
2/25: Lecture 19 Dimensions examples
2/27: Lecture 20 Dimensions examples
3/2: Lecture 21 Chapter 3 - Introduction to Simple Harmonic Motion
3/4: Lecture 22 Rotational Inertias, Physical Pendula etc.
Some examples of previous presentations:
E. Melendrez's lecture on dimensional analysis
C. Cook's lecture on dimensional analysis D. Bannoura's lecture on
dimensional analysis Prof. Alan Dorsey's note
on dimensional analysis
3/6: NO CLASS and NO HOMEWORK TILL AFTER THE BREAK. However, I am not leaving and would be happy
to give people help as needed. Homework 5 scores are posted and if you cannot wait to find out your
mistakes, please pick it up from me.
3/9 SPRING BREAK
3/11 SPRING BREAK
3/13 SPRING BREAK
3/16: Lecture 24 Chapter 3 Lissajous patterns
3/18 Discussion of Test/Presentations/Damped Harmonic Oscillator
3/20: Test #2 This will include a) Work we did on Chapter 2, b) Rocket Motion c) Dimensional Homogeneity, 4) Rotational
Intertia (finished 3/16). It will not include Lissajous patterns or Harmonic Oscillators.
3/23: Lecture 25 Discussion of Test/ Presentations
3/25: Lecture 26 Damped Harmonic Oscillator
3/27: Lecture 27 Driven Harmonic Oscillator
3/30: Lecture 28 Driven Harmonic Oscillator
4/1: Lecture 29 Harmonic Oscillators
4/3: Lecture 30 Introduction to Fourier Series
4/6: Lecture 31 Newton's Law of Gravity
4/8: Lecture 32 Gravitational Fields
4/10: Lecture 33 Gravitational potential
4/13: Lecture 34 Gravitational potential
4/15: Lecture 35 Gravitational potential of a sphere
4/17 Lecture 36 Gravitational Waves
4/20 Review for test 3
4/22 Test #3
4/24 Review
4/29 WEDNESDAY 7.30 a.m. is the scheduled final date. We can discuss if this time is "convenient"
with everyone, but expect it to be on that day.
Hints on how to do well:
Attend Class Remember, the syllabus is defined
by what is covered in lectures. You will not be tested on material not
covered in class. The book covers lots of material, not all of which
you are expected to know. If you miss class, my advice is to ask a class-mate
for notes. I am happy to explain things in office hours which you did not
understand. I am not so happy to explain things that you have not seen because
you were not in class and did not get anybody's notes..
Be on time for class. Announcements are generally made at the beginning
of each lecture, and you are responsible for learning of these whether
you attend class or not.
If you are struggling, ask for help.
The best way to get hold of me is after class, in our assigned office hours,
or by e-mail. It is tough to discuss physics by e-mail, so it is better to make questions
specific.
If you want to discuss physics and cannot make time
during my office hours, I can be flexible, but check with me first.
Take Notes Something that is obvious at the time is quickly forgotten. When it
comes to the night before a test, you will appreciate a good set of lecture notes. Tests are
"open note" (not open textbook). If it is not in your notes, you'll regret it!
Do your own homework. I cannot police copying, but you will look foolish if you can
do a homework question and then, when the same question comes up on the final, you
have no idea how to approach it.