Physics 201
Analytical Mechanics
Spring 2011

7 May 2011

Meeting: DLR 1  10:30 - 11:20 AM  MWF                         Notes: doc revised 4/1/2011
Text: Analytical Mechanics by Fowles & Cassiday  Seventh Edition!
View the grade spreadsheet [requires acrobat reader].       
 

Assignment Assigned What Due
1 17 January

Read Chapters 1 & 2
Chapter 1: 1,2,3,4,6,7,10,17,18,21
POSTED

24 January
2 26 January Chapter 2: 1,7,10
POSTED 		31 January
3 31 January Chapter 2: 2,3,4
POSTED 		4 February
3.2 2 February Re-Do #2.7
Treat the block (M) and the cord (m) as a system of two bodies.  Here's a diagram.		 7 February
4 4 February Chapter 2:  6,11,12,19
POSTED 		9 February
Exam 1  

Chapters 1 & 2 of the Text Book

 16 February
5 16 February Chapter 3: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
POSTED 		21 February
6 21 February Chapter 3: 10,11,14,18,
19ab(see example 3.7.1)
POSTED 		9 March
7 11 March Chapter 4:  1, 2, 3
POSTED 		14 March
8 21 March Chapter 4: 4,5,12,14,16
POSTED 		28 March
Exam 2   Chapters 3 & 4 of the Text Book
Sections 3.1 - 3.4, 3.6 & 4.1 - 4.4		  8 April
9 28 March Chapter 6: 1,2,3,5,10,12,20
POSTED		 15 April
10 15 April Chapter 5: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8,  21
POSTED 		27 April
11 27 April Chapter 7: 1, 2, 3
POSTED
 4 May
       
Exam 3   Chapters 5 & 6  of the Text Book
Sections 5.1 - 5.4 & 6.1 - 6.11		 2 May
Final Exam  

Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
of the Text Book
Chapters I, II, III, IV, V-A-1 
of the Notes

 8:00 AM
10 May

Physics 201 – Analytical Mechanics
Spring 2011

Meeting: Rm. 1 DeLaRoche; MWF 10:30 – 11:20 AM 
Text: Analytical Mechanics by Cassiday & Fowles
Instructor: Dr. J. Kiefer                                                 e-mail address: jkiefer@sbu.edu
Office: 120B DeLaRoche
Office Hours:     TTh 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM; WF 2:30 - 4:30 PM; or by appointment or by walking in
Web Page: Moodle

This course concerns itself with analytical mechanics, also known as classical mechanics. Analytical mechanics is basically the study of equations of motion wherein an analytical equation is developed from Newton’s three "Laws" of motion that describes the behavior of a particle or object, such as a harmonic oscillator or a parachutist falling through the air. Along with the physical principles involved in the course, the relevant mathematical techniques will be reviewed as necessary.

The work of the course consists of three parts: exercises, period exams, and a final examination. These three parts contribute to the course total score in the following proportions: 
    Exercises(20%)     Exams(60%)     Final Examination(20%)

One problem from each homework assignment will be collected and evaluated.  The homework exercise assignments each have a due date attached. The score of an assignment submitted after the due date will be multiplied by 50%.  There will be three exams comprised of a mixture of problem solution & discussion questions.

Based on the total score for the course, letter grades will be assigned according to the following scheme:

90% . . .

A

86.67% . . .

A-

83.33% . . .

B+

80% . . .

B

76.67% . . .

B-

73.33% . . .

C+

70% . . .

C

66.67% . . .

C-

63.33% . . .

D+

60% . . .

D

56.67% . . .

D-

<56.67% . .

F

Students will be issued personal identification numbers (PIN) with which they may access their scores during the semester through the course web page.

The way to score well on the exams is to practice—this is the purpose of the exercises. On the other hand, it is inefficient to pore over a particular exercise for too long a time. After making a good faith effort to master a particular exercise, or physical/mathematical concept, feel free to consult with fellow students or with the instructor both in and out of class.

Academic dishonesty is inconsistent with the moral character expected of students in a university committed to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the whole person.  It also subverts the academic process by distorting all measurements.  It is a serious matter and will be dealt with accordingly.  A list of unacceptable practices, penalties to be assigned, and procedures to be followed in prosecuting cases of alleged academic dishonesty may be found in the Student Handbook.

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Services Office, Doyle room 26, at 375-2065 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.  Documentation from this office is required before accommodations can be made.

Physics 201: Analytical Mechanics
Topical Outline (subject to change)

I. Introduction
    A. Fundamental Concepts & Assumptions
    B. Kinematics
    C. Newton’s "Laws" of Motion
II. Dynamics in One Dimension
    A. Constant Force
    B. Force as a Function of Time
    C. Force as a Function of Position
    D. Force as a Function of Velocity
    E. The Harmonic Oscillator
III. Dynamics of a Point in Three Dimensions
    A. Extend Results of Chapter II to Three Dimensions
    B. Separable Forces
    C. Constrained Motion of a Particle
IV. Accelerated Reference Frames
    A. Translating Reference Frames
    B. Rotating Reference Frames
V. Systems of particles
    A. N Particles
    B. Rigid Bodies
VI. Central Forces
    A. General Properties
    B. Orbits
    C. Gravitation
And, if time permits
VII. Lagrangian Mechanics
    A. Generalized Coordinates
    B. Lagrange’s Equations