Module Information
Module Identifier
MP14010
Module Title
CLASSICAL DYNAMICS
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
None
Pre-Requisite
A-level Mathematics
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 18 x 1-hour sessions of lectures |
| Seminars / Tutorials | 4 x 1-hour workshops |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours written examination | 70% |
| Semester Assessment | Two assignment sheets | 30% |
| Supplementary Exam | Resit failed components | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the basic principles of dynamics, oscillations and waves.
2. Solve numerical problems in dynamics, oscillations and waves and interpret the results in the physical context.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the conservation of momentum and the conservation of energy.
4. Show and understanding of the wave equation and standing waves and demonstrate an understanding of how these concepts apply to modern physics.
5. Understand the concept of resonance and applications to mechanical and electrical systems.
6. Model problems in dynamics, oscillations and waves with mathematical equations.
Brief description
The module provides an introduction to the classical theory of dynamics. It comprises two main parts, which follow a brief recap of vector manipulation. The first covers classical kinematics, Newton's Laws of Motion, momentum, forces, work, mechanical energy and motion in a gravitational field. The second part introduces the theory of oscillations and waves, covering the classical harmonic oscillator, resonance, wave equation, superposition of waves and the Doppler effect
Aims
The module develops the student's understanding of the principles and techniques of dynamics. Emphasis is placed on solving problems, and numerical examples are provided for the student to practice. The module is appropriate as a first-year core module in Physics and Mathematics honours degree schemes, and prepares the student for use of the topics in more advance studies in part 2 modules.
Content
Vectors (recap)
Vector and scalar quantities. Position vector. Orthogonal unit vectors.
Manipulation of vectors: addition, resolving, scalar and vector products.
Basic Dynamics
1. Kinematics of a particle: constant acceleration, projectile motion.
2. Newton's Laws of Motion: momentum, weight, contact forces on solids, friction, circular motion and centripetal force, drag force.
3. Work and Energy: work done by force, kinetic energy, power, conservative force, potential energy (gravitational and spring), conservation of mechanical energy.
4. Conservation of momentum: centre-of-mass, collisions, coefficient of restitution, rocket propulsion.
5. Gravity: Kepler's Laws, Newton's Law of Gravity, gravitational potential energy.
Oscillations
1. Simple Harmonic Motion: period, amplitude, velocity, acceleration, energy.
2. Simple Harmonic Motion in mechanical systems.
3. Damped and forced oscillations, resonance.
Waves
1. Travelling waves: wavelength, frequency, phase velocity.
2. Wave equation.
3. Wave phenomena: superposition of waves, standing waves, the Doppler effect.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Numerical problems in examples sheets in the examination paper develop skills in application of number. |
| Communication | |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Examples sheets and an electronic homework package encourage self-directed learning and improved performance. Solutions are provided to examples sheets. Electronic homework is assessed via the online grade books. |
| Information Technology | |
| Personal Development and Career planning | |
| Problem solving | Problem solving skills are developed throughout the module and are assessed by assignments and written examination. |
| Research skills | Directed reading and the electronic homework package allow the student to investigate the topics covered in the module. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Dynamics is a core topic in Physics and Mathematics. |
| Team work |
Reading List
General TextJewett, John W. (c2010.) Physics for scientists and engineers with modern physics. /John W. Jewett, Raymond A. Serway, with contributions from Vah e Peroomian. 8th ed., International ed. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning Primo search Tipler, Paul Allen (c2008.) Physics for scientists and engineers :with modern physics /Paul A. Tipler, Gene Mosca. 6th ed. W.H. Freeman Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4