Course Information

Textbooks:

Introduction to Classical Mechanics, by David Morin.  –  Physics 2300 covers the first half of this book, and Physics 2301 covers the second half. 

Basic Training in Mathematics, by R. Shankar 

Course Topics:

• Math methods (vector math, eigen-vector/eigen-value problems, Euler's equations, Taylor series expansions, Galilean transformations, E=mc^2, four vectors)
• Angular momentum
  • Pancake object in x-y plane
  • Nonplanar objects
  • Calculating moments of inertia
  • Torque
  • Collisions
  • Angular impulse
  • The inertia tensor
  • Principal axes
  • Euler's equations
  • Free symmetric top
  • Heavy symmetric top
• Accelerating frames of reference
  • Relating the coordinates
  • The fictitious forces
  • Tides
• Relativity (Kinematics)
  • Motivation
  • The postulates
  • The fundamental effects
  • The Lorentz transformations
  • Velocity addition
  • The invariant interval
  • Minkowski diagrams
  • The Doppler effect
  • Rapidity
  • Relativity without c
• Relativity (Dynamics)
  • Energy and momentum
  • Transformations of E and p
  • Collisions and decays
  • Particle-physics units
  • Force
  • Rocket motion
  • Relativistic strings
• 4-vectors
  • Definition, examples, and properties of 4-vectors
  • Energy, momentum
  • Force and acceleration
  • The form of physical laws
• General Relativity
  • The Equivalance Principle
  • Time dilation
  • Uniformly accelerating frame
  • Maximal-proper-time principle
  • Twin paradox revisited