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MC123 Introduction to Newtonian dynamics

MC123 Introduction to Newtonian dynamics

Credits: 10 Convenor: Dr Mike Dampier Semester: 2
Prerequisites: essential: MC127
Assessment: Coursework: 20% One and a half hour exam: 80%
Lectures: 18 Problem Classes: none
Tutorials: 5 Private Study: 52
Labs: none Seminars: none
Project: none Other: none
Surgeries: none Total: 75

Explanation of Pre-requisites

No previous study of mechanics is necessary for this module, but to help students who have not studied the subject at A-level there will be some additional introductory classes.

Course Description

This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to the principles of Newtonian particle dynamics. It is intended to be accessible to those who have not studied mechanics before, and in particular there are no hidden assumptions about previous knowledge of mechanics. Those who have studied mechanics at A-level will find much of the material familiar although the level of treatment may be higher than you are used to.

Aims

The course aims to give the student confidence in applying the basic ideas of dynamics to a number of simple situations. The emphasis is upon gaining a clear grasp of the structure of the subject rather than complex problem solving. The ideas introduced in the course are developed further in 2nd and 3rd year modules.

Objectives

Syllabus

I. Free particles & Collisions.

  1. Introduction: motion, velocity, speed.
  2. Newton's 1st law - the law of inertia.
  3. Conservation of momentum: kinetic energy, coefficient of restitution.

II. Motion under gravity.

  1. Introduction: acceleration, force, Newton's 2nd law.
  2. Galileo's law, potential energy.
  3. Projectiles.

III. Resisted Motion.

  1. Vertical motion.
  2. Resisted projectiles.

IV. Circular motion.

  1. Introduction: uniform motion in a circle.
  2. Newton's law of gravitation, escape velocity.
  3. Circular orbits, 2-body problem.

Transferable Skills

The ability to formulate elementary physical problems in mathematical terms and present a reasoned solution.

Maintain and extend students' basic calculus skills, in particular the solution of simple differential equations.

Reading list

Recommended:

P.Dyke & R. Whitworth, Guide to Mechanics, Macmillan. D.N.Burghes & A.M.Downs, Modern Introduction to Classical Mechanics and Control, Ellis Horwood (and is the more comprehensive of the two).

Details of Assessment

The final assessment of this module will consist of 20% coursework and 80% from a one and a half hour examination during the Summer exam period. The 20% coursework contribution will be determined by students' solutions to coursework problems. The examination paper will contain 4 questions with full marks on the paper obtainable from 3 complete answers.

Next: MC126 Multivariate Calculus Up: Year 1 Previous: MC117 Operating Systems and Networks

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Last updated: 2001-09-20
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