PHYS3350
Classical Mechanics
Professor Shun-Qing Shen
September, 2021
Course Objectives
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
Course Learning Outcomes
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
• To impact the students some degree of sophistication in
handling with the formalism of the theory and the operational
technique of problem solving. The first course is between
introductory and advanced course on classical mechanics.
• To present the modern treatment of classical mechanical
system in a way to connect the quantum mechanics.
• To acquaint the students with new mathematics. It is advisable
to the students to continue studying advanced mechanics
separately
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
Pre-requisite Courses
PHYS2150/Methods in Physics: This course introduces the principles and
theories of various mathematical methods and skills that are essential for studying
university physics. Topics include: ordinary differential equations, partial differential
equations, three-dimensional coordinate geometry, partial differentiation, multiple
integration, vector functions and motion in space, and vector analysis. Applications to
physical systems and various practical problems solving skills are discussed. Further
MATLAB commands and basic MATLAB programming will be introduced and used in
this course.
PHYS2250/Introductory Mechanics: Kinematics, Newton's Laws of
Motion and Their Applications, Linear Momentum and its Conservation, Variable
Mass Problems, System of Particles and Centre of Mass, Torque and Rotation,
Moment of Inertia, Angular Momentum and its Conservation, Work, Energy and its
Conservation, Gravitation, Simple Harmonic Motions, Damped and Driven
Oscillations, Wave Equation, Energy in Wave Motion, Interference and the Principle
of Superposition.
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
Course Activities
• Lectures: 36 hrs
• Tutorials: 12 hrs
• Reading/Self Study: 80 hrs
5-6 Assignments
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
Course Assessment
• Assignments: 20%
• Mid-term test: 30%
• 2-hr Written Examination: 50%
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
Outline
1. Maths: Matrices, vectors, and vector calculus
2. Newtonian mechanics - single particle
3. Oscillation
4. Nonlinear oscillation
5. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics
6. Central force problem
7. Motion in a non-inertial reference frame
8. Rigid-body dynamics
9. Coupled oscillations
10. Special theory of relativity
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
Textbook
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1
# There are a large number of
examples and problems in the book.
Textbook
Classical Mechanics/Lecture 1