Physical Mechanics I

Catalog description

This course provides a rigorous treatment of classical mechanics, transitioning from foundational Newtonian principles to advanced analytical formulations. Starting with a sophisticated analysis of conservation laws, momentum, energy, and angular momentum, the curriculum introduces the Calculus of Variations and leads to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics. These methods are applied to diverse problems and systems, with a particular focus on central-force motion and its implications for orbital dynamics. The dynamics of multi-particle systems are revisited to provide a more sophisticated coverage of collisions and scattering theory. The course concludes with an exploration of rigid body rotation in the center-of-mass frame, including the calculation and application of the inertia tensor. Prerequisites: 33-231 and 21-259 and 33-232