PHYSICS 185 -- INTERMEDIATE MECHANICS

Level
Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems (4th Edition) by Marion & Thornton

Prerequisites
Physics 131 or 141; Math 221 or 203

Syllabus
  1. Newtonian Physics
    1. math review: transformations, index notation
    2. integrable problems
    3. computer integration
    4. work, conservative forces
    5. Stokes' and Gauss' theorems (review)
  2. Calculus of Variations
    1. variational approach
    2. Euler equation
    3. constraints
    4. examples: brachistochrone
  3. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Formulations
    1. Hamilton's Principle
    2. generalized coordinates, forces
    3. Lagrange's equation
    4. undetermined multipliers
    5. conservations laws; symmetry principles
    6. canonical momenta; Hamiltonian
    7. Poisson brackets
    8. phase space; Liouville's theorem
    9. virial theorem
  4. Central-Force Motion
    1. reduced mass
    2. conserved quantities
    3. effective potential
    4. equations of motion; orbits
  5. Non-Inertial Frames
    1. rotating coordinates
    2. centrifugal, Coriolis forces
  6. Rigid-Body Dynamics
    1. inertial tensor
    2. principle axes
    3. Euler angles; Euler equations
    4. motion of a top


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