Mechanics

Catalog description

Advanced-level classical mechanics of single and multi-particle systems in three dimensions. Topics include 3-dimensional kinematics, motion with drag, conservative forces, potential energies, work and energy theorems, central forces, inverse-square law and Kepler?s problem, damped and driven oscillations, constrained motion, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms, coupled oscillations. Rigid body mechanics included if time permits. Four hours of lecture and two hours of problems. Prerequisites: C or better in PHYS 222 or in PHYS 212, MATH 215, MATH 310, MATH 314 and junior status. Odd fall term only.