Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LC Classical Mechanics and Relativity 2
School	Physics and Astronomy
Department	Physics & Astronomy
Module Code	03 33945
Module Lead	Professor Paul Newman
Level	Certificate Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites	LC Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1 - (03 19748)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-24 hours Tutorial-11 hours Guided independent study-65 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module further develops the principles of mechanics and special relativity, introduced in the Classical Mechanics and Relativity 1. Lorentz invariance and the associated transformations are introduced and tools are developed to solve realistic problems involving relativistic particles. The classical mechanics component emphasises rotational degrees of freedom. Techniques are developed for handling many particle systems and extended rigid bodies. The motion is also discussed from the viewpoint of observers in a rotating frame of reference. Motion under a central, conservative force is described in detail, leading to a discussion of different classifications of orbits in a gravitational field.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Understand the concept of space-time and use it to discuss concepts of time-like and space-like intervals, simultaneity and causality. Know the Lorentz Transformations for space and time and use them to derive/discuss velocity transformations, the relativistic Doppler effect and the twin and pole-barn paradoxes. Apply the relativistic energy-momentum invariant to a range of problems in collision and decay kinematics. Calculate the positions of the centre of mass and moment of inertia of simple extended bodies and be able to apply the perpendicular and parallel axis theorems. Derive the normal modes of oscillation for simple cases of coupled oscillators. Understand the vector nature of angular momentum and be able to handle rotational dynamics problems such as the conical pendulum, rigid pendulum and gyroscopic motion. Handle problems involving simultaneous translational and rotational motion and be able to find the centre of percussion of an extended body. Understand what is meant by a non-inertial frame and how motion in a rotating frame can be described in terms of Centrifugal and Coriolis forces. Understand the concept of effective potential and describe motion under a central conservative force, including bound and unbound orbits.
Assessment	33945-01 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%) 33945-02 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Coursework (20%); 1.5 hour Examination (80%)
Other
Reading List