Next: MC125 Ordinary Differential Equations
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC120 Vectors and Geometry
MC123 Introduction to Newtonian dynamics
| Credits: 10 |
Convenor: Dr. M. D. Dampier |
Semester: 2 |
| Prerequisites: |
essential: MC125 |
|
| Assessment: |
Regular coursework: 20% |
One and a half hour exam: 80% |
| Lectures: |
18 |
Classes: |
6 |
| Tutorials: |
6 |
Private Study: |
45 |
| 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.
Syllabus
I. Free particles & Collisions.
1. Introduction: motion, velocity, speed
2. Newtons 1st law - the law of inertia
3. Conservation of momentum: kinetic energy, coefficient of restitution
II. Motion under gravity.
1. Introduction: acceleration, force, Galileos law, potential energy
2. Projectiles:
III. Resisted Motion.
1. Vertical motion:
2. Resisted projectiles:
IV. Circular motion:
1. Introduction: uniform motion in a circle
2. Circular orbits
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 come from the weekly work. In all there will be four pieces of
coursework all of which will count.
The examination paper will contain 4 questions with
full marks on the paper obtainable from 3 complete answers.
Next: MC125 Ordinary Differential Equations
Up: Year 1
Previous: MC120 Vectors and Geometry
Roy L. Crole
10/22/1998