Physics 5200: Syllabus

PHYSICS 5200
MECHANICAL PHENOMENON
WINTER 1999

Dynamics of particles and systems including central force motion, coupled oscillations and waves in elastic media. Prerequisites: PHYSICS 2180, MATHEMATICS 2030. This is a 3 credit course.

Instructor: Robert Harr Office: 341 Physics

Phone: 577-2677 E-mail harr@physics.wayne.edu

Office Hours: 2-3 MTWThF, or by appointment.

Web Page: http://hep1.physics.wayne.edu/harr/teaching/5200/W99

Textbook: Analytical Mechanics, sixth edition by Fowles and Cassiday, Saunders College Publishing, 1999.

Lectures: 11:45-1:15 TTh, 177 Physics

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned each week. The problems will be collected and graded. They will generally be due at the start of lecture on Tuesday.

Exams: There will be two mid-terms and a final exam. The midterm exams will be given during a lecture period (90 min.). Exams are closed book.

Midterm 1 Feb. 9 11:45 - 1:15

Midterm 2 Mar. 9 11:45 - 1:15

Final Apr. 30 10:40 - 1:10

Written Work: The skill of scientific writing is important. The problem sets, and exams present opportunities to practice this skill. Instead of just writing down formulas and numbers, try treating each problem as a mini-essay. Motivate the method of calculation and explain the variables. Write in complete sentences using proper grammar. Don't confuse good writing with verbose writing. Make your writing brief and to the point. Sometimes it is appropriate to write down only mathematical formulas. Other times, a clear, brief explanation is essential.

Grading: Homework 45%

Midterm 1 15%

Midterm 2 15%

Final 25%

Policies: Late work is not accepted. The lowest homework score will be dropped. You are allowed and encouraged to discuss problems together, but what you turn in must be your own work -- do not copy problem solutions and turn them in as your own work.

COURSE OUTLINE

week of		Chapter
Jan. 11	0	Review of topics from Physics 2170
Jan. 18	2	Newtonian Mechanics: Rectilinear Motion, part I
Jan. 25	3	Oscillations, part I
Feb. 1	4	General Motion of a Particle in Three Dimensions, part I
Feb. 8		Midterm 1, begin chap. 7
Feb. 15	7	Dynamics of Systems of Particles
Feb. 22	8	Mechanics of Rigid Bodies
Mar. 1	8	Mechanics of Rigid Bodies
Mar. 8		Midterm 2
Mar. 15		Spring Recess, no class
Mar. 22	2,3	Rectilinear Motion and Oscillations, part II
Mar. 29	4	General Motion of a Particle in Three Dimensions, part II
Apr. 5	5	Noninertial Reference Systems
Apr. 12	6	Gravitation and Central Forces
Apr. 19	6	Gravitation and Central Forces and Course Review
April 30		Final Exam 10:40 -1:10pm

Some additional references on mechanics:

1.: Principia, I. Newton.
2.: An Introduction to Mechanics, Kleppner, Kolenkow.
3.: The Feynman Lectures on Physics, vol. I, Feynman, Leighton, Sands.
4.: Mechanics, Symon.
5.: Classical Dynamics in Particles and Systems, Marion, Thornton.
6.: Mechanics, Landau.
7.: Classical Mechanics, Goldstein.

Robert Harr

Jan. 13, 1999

Instructor:	Robert Harr	Office:	341 Physics
Phone:	577-2677	E-mail	harr@physics.wayne.edu
Office Hours:	2-3 MTWThF, or by appointment.
Web Page:	http://hep1.physics.wayne.edu/harr/teaching/5200/W99

Textbook:	Analytical Mechanics, sixth edition by Fowles and Cassiday, Saunders College Publishing, 1999.
Lectures:	11:45-1:15 TTh, 177 Physics
Homework:	Homework problems will be assigned each week. The problems will be collected and graded. They will generally be due at the start of lecture on Tuesday.
Exams:	There will be two mid-terms and a final exam. The midterm exams will be given during a lecture period (90 min.). Exams are closed book.
	Midterm 1	Feb. 9	11:45 - 1:15
	Midterm 2	Mar. 9	11:45 - 1:15
	Final	Apr. 30	10:40 - 1:10
Written Work:	The skill of scientific writing is important. The problem sets, and exams present opportunities to practice this skill. Instead of just writing down formulas and numbers, try treating each problem as a mini-essay. Motivate the method of calculation and explain the variables. Write in complete sentences using proper grammar. Don't confuse good writing with verbose writing. Make your writing brief and to the point. Sometimes it is appropriate to write down only mathematical formulas. Other times, a clear, brief explanation is essential.

Grading:	Homework	45%
	Midterm 1	15%
	Midterm 2	15%
	Final	25%

*Policies:*	Late work is not accepted. The lowest homework score will be dropped. You are allowed and encouraged to discuss problems together, but what you turn in must be your own work -- do not copy problem solutions and turn them in as your own work.