Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2018/19 Session


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Module Title Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1
SchoolPhysics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Module Code 03 19748
Module Lead
Level Certificate Level
Credits 10
Semester Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions All first year Physics programmes including BSc/MSci Theoretical Physics and Applied Mathematics and Natural Science students taking a Physics major.
Contact Hours Lecture-24 hours
Guided independent study-76 hours
Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description

This module looks at Newton's laws and their implications both at fundamental and at practical levels. Here we look at the breakdown of physics and understanding at the start of the 20th century and how the theory of special relativity was able to restore our understanding. The idea of Time and Space being linked will be established through consideration of simultaneity. We will study Lorentz transforms for space and time, and establish the link between Mass and Energy.

Learning Outcomes By the end of the module the student should be able to:
  • Appreciate the fundamentals of Classical and Relativistic (Special) Mechanics;
  • Solve simple problems in Classical Mechanics;
  • Perform Space Time and velocity transformations (in relativistic Mechanics) and use theese in simple problem;
  • Resolve relativistic paradoxes (eg Twins) through their understanding of proper time and proper length;
  • Understand the basis for mass energy equivalence and its application to solar and nuclear energy.
Assessment 19748-01 : Exam mark (linked to QM/OW) : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%)
19748-03 : CA Mark : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions One written unseen 3hr exam jointly assessed with 03 19718 LC Quantum Mechanics and Optics and Waves (80%); continuous assessment via weekly problem sheets (20%).
Other None
Reading List