Module Identifier
MP14010
Module Title
DYNAMICS AND RELATIVITY
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Dr Eleri Pryse
Semester
Semester 1
Co-Requisite
None
Pre-Requisite
A-level Mathematics
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 20 x 1-hour sessions of lectures and example classes
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written examination  70%
Semester Assessment Course Work: 2 Example sheets.  30%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Describe the basic principles of Dynamics and Special Relativity;
2. Model problems in dynamics and special relativity with mathematical equations, apply basic solution techniques to these equations and interpret the results in the physical context;
3. Solve numerical problems in dynamics and special relativity.

Brief description

This module provides an introduction to the classical theory of dynamics and the theory of special relativity. The problems addressed in dynamics will involve classical kinematics, Newton's Laws, energy and momentum and motion under gravity. The implications of the principles of special relativity for the concepts of space and time will also be studied. An emphasis will be placed on the solution of problems and example sheets will include numerical exercises.

Aims

The module develops the principles and techniques of dynamics and relativity, with emphasis on problem solving, and is appropriate as a core module for honours degree schemes in Mathematics and Physics. It also prepares students for the more advanced approach to these topics developed in MP21010.

Content

VECTORS
Recap: scalar and vector quantities, position vector, vector components, unit vectors, scalar and vectors products.

DYNAMICS
Kinematics: constant acceleration, projectile motion
Newton's Law of Motion: momentum, weight, contact forces on solids, friction, circular motion and centripetal force, drag force.
Work and Energy: work done by force, kinetic energy, power, conservative force, potential energy, conservation of mechanical energy.
Conservation of Momentum: centre-of-mass, collisions, coefficient of restitution, rocket propulsion
Gravity: Kepler's Laws, Newton's Law of Gravity, gravitational potential energy

RELATIVITY
Introduction and discussion of the shortcomings of pre-relativistic physics, which lead to the simple postulates of Special Relativity, with spectacular results in our understanding of space and time. The Lorentz-Einstein transformations are derived from the postulates, leading to an understanding of time-dilation and Lorentz contraction.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Problem solving Problem solving skills are developed throughout this module and tested in assignments and in the written examination.

Reading List

Recommended Text
A.P. French Special Relativity Nelson Thomas Primo search Tipler, Paul Allen Physics for scientists and engineers /[Paul A. Tipler, Gene Mosca] Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4