PEP 538 Introduction to Mechanics

Particle motion in one dimension. Simple harmonic oscillators. Motion in two and three dimensions, kinematics, work and energy, conservative forces, central forces, and scattering. Systems of particles, linear and angular momentum theorems, collisions, linear spring systems, and normal modes. Lagrange’s equations and applications to simple systems. Introduction to moment of inertia tensor and to Hamilton’s equations.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

MA 221 or (Grad Student)

Distribution

Department of Physics

Typically Offered Periods

Fall Semester