Description

This module uses lectures and guided self-study to develop students' understanding of Newtonian classical mechanics and special relativity. Although some of the concepts will be familiar from A-level, vector notation will be used throughout. Particular emphasis is placed on the precise and consistant application of the laws and methods.

Module Aims

Our interest in mechanics arises from its general applicability to a vast number of familiar phenomena. This module provides meaningful and easily visualizable problems which allow development of the skills of problem solving, required in all the fields of physics. It provides the necessary background to later modules that will apply the principles of mechanics to the solution of more complex problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. recognise and describe the forces that are relevant in a given mechanics situation;
  2. describe the origin of and relationship between these forces, and to describe what their consequences will be;
  3. solve a range of mechanics problems as defined by the syllabus below, and by examples given in the lectures and worksheets;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  4. apply general problem-solving strategies not only to mechanics but also to the solution of other physics problems;
  5. demonstrate a knowledge of mechanics that will be applicable in a range of other physics modules;
  6. use vector notation consistently and correctly as an integral part of solving problems;
  7. use symbols that represent the numerical value and units of the physical quantities, and manipulate/evaluate expressions involving such symbols in a precise and consistent manner;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  8. undertake guided self-study successfully;
  9. develop appropriate time-management strategies and meet deadlines for completion of work.

Syllabus Plan

1. Vectors and Scalars
   1. Introduction
   2. Definition of vectors and scalars
   3. Scalar and vector algebra
   4. Transformations and the transformation matrix
   5. Study Package 1: displacement and distance, equations of lines and planes, triple products
2. Newtonian Physics
   1. Newton's laws and the principle of relativity, Galilean transformations
   2. Study Package 2: average and instantaneous velocity, motion under constant acceleration, relative velocity
   3. Translational and rotational dynamics, moments, moment of inertia
   4. Work done by forces, kinetic and potential energy, power
   5. Conservative and non-conservative forces
   6. Study Package 3: physics of friction, tensile forces in free body diagrams, concept of impulse
   7. Conservation theorems, energy diagrams, friction
   8. Two-particle systems, centre of mass, rocket motion, collisions, kinetic energy, zero-momentum frame
   9. Rigid bodies, moment of inertia, axis theorems
   10. Study Package 4: rotation with constant angular acceleration, moment and product of inertia, rotation about a moving axis
3. Einsteinian Physics
   1. A brief history, the special theory of relativity, Lorentz transformations
   2. Study Package 5: Michelson-Morley experiment, Doppler effect, Newton's laws
   3. The invariance of the space-time interval, the light cone, relativistic kinematics
   4. Relativistic dynamics, collisions

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Young H.D., Freedman R.A. and Ford A.L. (2013), University Physics with Modern Physics Technology Update (13^th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 978-1-292-02063-1 (UL: 530 YOU)

Supplementary texts:

• Feynman R.P., Leighton R.B. and Sands M. (1963), Lectures on Physics, Vol. II, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-02117-X (UL: 530 FEY/X)
• Feynman R.P., Leighton R.B. and Sands M. (1965), Lectures on Physics, Vol. III, (UL: 530 FEY/X)
• Spiegel M.R. and Lipschutz S. (2009), Schaum's Outline of Vector Analysis (2^nd edition), McGraw-Hill, ISBN 978-0-07-1615-45-7 (UL: 515.63)
• Thornton S.T. and Marion J.B. (2003), Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems (5^th edition), Tomson, ISBN 0-534-40896-6 (UL: 531.11MAR)

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy1021

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous