Module Identifier PH10110  
Module Title NEWTONIAN MECHANICS  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator C Osbourne  
Semester Semester 1  
Pre-Requisite A Level Maths  
Co-Requisite PH16020  
Mutually Exclusive PH01010  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   3 Seminars /Tutorials  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours EXAM  70%
Semester Assessment COURSE WORK: 2 COURSE TESTS (1 HOUR EACH), 3 EXAMPLE SHEETS  30%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours EXAM   

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Use Newtonian mechanics to describe the behaviour of simple mechanical systems.

Apply vector analysis and calculus to problems in mechanics.

Demonstrate knowledge of planetary orbits and be able to calculate orbital parameters in the case of circular orbits.

Apply the concepts of rotational dynamics (angular momentum, couple, moment of inertia) to everyday problems.

Explain the phenomena of pressure and temperature in a gas by considering the motions of molecules.

Derive the gas laws from kinetic ideas.

Brief description

This module explores the success of Netonian physics in explaining the world around us - from behaviour of gases to the orbit of the planets. Starting from the cornerstone of Newton's three laws, the module progresses to examine the interaction of forces and material objects and introduces the concept of a central force field. Topics covered include: conservation laws, rotational motion, gravitational fields and potential, projectiles and intermolecular forces.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
M. Nelkon and P. Parker Advanced Level Physics Heinemann Educational 0435686682

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4