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MC123 Introduction to Newtonian dynamics
| Credits: 10 |
Convenor: Mr Brian English |
Semester: 2 |
| Prerequisites: |
essential: MC127 |
|
| Assessment: |
Coursework: 20% |
One and a half hour exam: 80% |
| Lectures: |
18 |
Classes: |
none |
| Tutorials: |
5 |
Private Study: |
52 |
| Labs: |
none |
Seminars: |
none |
| Project: |
none |
Other: |
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
- To understand key dynamical concepts - velocity, mass, momentum,
kinetic energy, acceleration, force.
- To be able to set up and solve simple equations of motion and to
understand the role and meaning of initial conditions.
- To see how differential equations arise in applications.
- To use dynamical ideas to investigate a variety of real world problems.
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 4 complete answers.
Next: MC126 Multivariate Calculus
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC117 Operating Systems and
S. J. Ambler
11/20/1999