This module explores Newton's laws and their implications both at fundamental and practical levels. It considers the dynamics of macroscopic objects subject to forces such as gravity, friction and the restoring force of a spring. The concepts of kinetic and potential energy, and work done by a force are discussed and applied to solve simple problems. The module further considers conservation of energy and linear momentum. Finally, we introduce the main conceptual aspects of special relativity.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Appreciate the fundamentals of classical mechanics and special relativity.
Apply Newton's laws to simple problems in mechanics.
Derive the equation of motion of macroscopic objects moving under the influence of gravity in simple physical situations.
Apply conservation of energy and the work done by a force to quantitatively describe the motion of a body.
Describe quantitatively simple harmonic motion and extend the discussion to include damping and periodic driving forces.
Solve simple problems involving collisions through the application of conservation of linear momentum.
Apply the key concepts of special relativity to evaluate how space and time intervals differ depending on the observer.
Assessment
19748-01 : Exam mark (linked to QM/OW) : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%)
19748-03 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Coursework (20%); 1.5 hour Examination (80%) - jointly assessed with 03 19718 LC Quantum Mechanics and Optics & Waves