PHY1021	Vector Mechanics	2013-14
	Dr S. Foteinopoulou
Delivery Weeks:	T1:01-05,07-12
Level:	4 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	147 students (approx)

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. Introduction and Background
   Brief historical survey; units.
2. Vectors
   Definition, addition, subtraction, dot-product, cross-product, components; scalar and vector triple products and their physical interpretations; equation of a straight line; equation of a plane; parametric specification of points on lines and planes; intersection of a line and a plane; use of the dot and cross products; the time derivative of a vector.
3. Motion
   velocity and acceleration (vector formalism); linear and circular motion; centripetal acceleration; relative motion, projectiles
4. Forces
   Types of forces; units and dimensions; vector addition of forces.
5. Newton's Laws of Motion
   The first law - inertial frames of reference; the second Law - force mass and weight; the third law.
6. Systems of Particles and Rigid Bodies
   Center of mass, Newton's laws for systems of particles and rigid bodies; moments of inertia; products of inertia.
7. Torque or Moment of Force
   Definitions, Newton's second law for rotational motion.
8. Equilibrium
   Conditions of equilibrium and their application to specific examples.
9. Kinetic Energy
   Kinetic energy of: a particle, a system of particles, rigid bodies (rotation around fixed axis), rigid bodies (rotation around moving axis).
10. Work
    Work done by a constant force; work done by a variable force; work kinetic energy theorem; power.
11. Conservative Forces and Conservation of Energy
    Conservative forces in one and three dimensions; examples of potential theory (elastic energy, interatomic and Yukawa potential), energy diagrams, force and potential energy.
12. Motion in Constant Uniform Gravitational Field
    Circular motion in a vertical circle; rolling without slipping; examples.
13. Momentum, Impulse and Newton's Second Law
    Linear momentum and impulse; angular momentum; conservation of linear and angular momentum; center of percussion; gyroscopes; rocket motion (variable mass problem).
14. Collisions
    Elastic and inelastic collisions.
15. Introduction to Relativity
    The Special Theory of Relativity; relativistic dynamics: Lorentz transformations, the Minkowskian space and the light-cone, the energy-momentum relationship and relativistic collisions.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Description	Study time	KIS type
22×1-hour lectures	22 hours	SLT
5×6-hour self-study packages	30 hours	GIS
7×2-hour problems sets	14 hours	GIS
Problems class support	9 hours	SLT
Tutorial support	3 hours	SLT
Reading, private study and revision	72 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Exercises set by tutor	3×1-hour sets (typical)	Scheduled by tutor	1-7	Discussion in tutorials
0%	Guided self-study	5×6-hour packages	Fortnightly	1-7	Discussion in tutorials
10%	7 × Problems Sets	2 hours per set	Weekly	1-7	Marked in problems class, then discussed in tutorials
15%	Mid-term Test 1	30 minutes	Weeks T1:04	1-7	Marked, then discussed in tutorials
15%	Mid-term Test 2	30 minutes	Weeks T1:09	1-7	Marked, then discussed in tutorials
60%	Final Examination	120 minutes	January	1-7	Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

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. I, Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-02116-1 (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

Pre-requisite Modules	none
Co-requisite Modules	Mathematics Skills (PHY1025)

Re-assessment

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

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Time scale for re-assessment
Whole module	Written examination (100%)	1-7	August/September assessment period

Notes: See Physics Assessment Conventions.

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities 34 hrs GIS - guided independent study 116 hrs PLS - placement/study abroad 0 hrs Total 150 hrs

Summative assessment Coursework 10% Written exams 90% Practical exams 0% Total 100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	CM-01 Newton's laws and conservation laws including rotation. SR-01 Lorentz transformations. SR-02 The energy-momentum relationship.
Availability	unrestricted
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Body; Conservation rules; Energy; Force; Classical mechanics; Momentum; Motion; Newton's Laws; Particle; Special Relativity; Vectors.
Created	01-Oct-10
Revised	08-Nov-12