CLASSICAL MECHANICS II

SPRING 2010 SYLLABUS

 

PHY212 Classical Mechanics II - MWF 11:00 – 11:50 AM

 

Instructor: Dr. Rulison [Office: G-318 (See office door for scheduled office hours), Phone: 404-364-8409, E‑mail: mrulison@oglethorpe.edu]

 

Purpose: This is the second course of a two-semester sequence in upper-level classical mechanics. The purpose of the sequence is to develop in the student a fundamental and thorough knowledge of the concepts and problem-solving techniques involved in the statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies. Topics to be covered include Newton’s laws, projectile motion, linear and angular momentum, energy, oscillations, the calculus of variations, Lagrange’s equations, and two-body motion under a central force. These topics form the basis for the study of more advanced topics and various applications, which are the subject treated in the second course in this sequence (Classical Mechanics II). Problem solving and physical reasoning skills will be emphasized.

 

Text: Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor.  This text incorporates a number of features which should be considered an integral part of your reading. These include solved example problems within each chapter, chapter reviews of principle definitions and equations, and problems at the end of each chapter. Also of interest are special sections on applications of physics, and special supplements on problem solving techniques and methods.

 

Prerequisite: Classical Mechanics I (PHY211).

 

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned from each chapter.  These will be turned in and one or more problems will be chosen at random for grading.  Homework will count toward your final grade as shown on the assignment sheet.  Late homework will not be accepted.

 

Tests: There will be three tests given during the weeks shown on the assignment sheet.  The material to be covered on each test will be announced in class well in advance of each test.  NO MAKE-UP TESTS OR POSTPONEMENTS WILL BE GIVEN!!

 

Final Exam: There will be a final exam given during the regular final exam period (11:15 AM  Wednesday, April 28).  This exam may be comprehensive.

 

Class Attendance: While class attendance is not required, the student is responsible for all material and information covered in class (including changes of schedule and assignment).  Since this is primarily a problem-solving course with a large proportion of class time devoted to solving problems, attendance is strongly recommended, and expected.  A grade of FA may be assigned if it is the instructor's opinion that failure is the result of excessive absences.

 

Dropping the Course: The course may be dropped with a grade of W through Friday, March 19 (provided that the student's work to that point has been of passing quality).  After this date the grade of W will be assigned only in the case of withdrawal from the University or prolonged illness.

 

Academic Honesty: As students and faculty at Oglethorpe University we are members of a society of scholars with all the opportunities as well as obligations attached to such a designation.  We therefore agree to govern ourselves accordingly.  The use of any information, not provided by the instructor, during an exam will be considered cheating.  Representation of someone else's work as one's own is plagiarism.  In such cases the student(s) will be referred to the Honor Council for a hearing and possible disciplinary action.  It is the duty of anyone witnessing behavior in violation of the University Honor Code to report the violation.  Refer to pages 103-112 of the 2008-2010 Bulletin for a complete description of the Honor Code.

Cheating:    a.  The unauthorized possession or use of notes, texts, or other such materials during an examination.
                  b.  Copying another person's work or participation in such an effort.
                  c.  An attempt or participation in an attempt to fulfill the requirements of a course with work other than one's original work for that course.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism includes representing someone else's words, ideas, data, or original research as one's own, and in general failing to footnote or
                 otherwise acknowledge the source of such work.  One has the responsibility of avoiding plagiarism by taking adequate notes on reference
                 materials, including material taken off the internet or other electronic sources, used in the preparation of reports, papers, and other
                 coursework. 

 

NOTE: A grade of C- or better is required for each PHY1XX/PHY2XX level course required for the major or minor.