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PHY201Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Classical Mechanics 1

This course introduces fundamental concepts of classical mechanics. It covers motion in central force fields, including vector analysis, conservative forces, and kinematics in polar coordinates. Students will explore energy conservation, planetary motion, and Kepler's laws. The course also delves into oscillatory motion, simple harmonic oscillators, damped and forced oscillations, and coupled oscillations. Finally, it introduces Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, frames of reference, generalized coordinates, and equations of motion.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
advanced
Math Level
Course Keywords
Classical MechanicsCentral ForcesOscillatory MotionLagrangian MechanicsHamiltonian Mechanics

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
∑
Math Level
Advanced Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Vector Analysis

2

Central and Conservative Forces

3

Kinematics in Polar Coordinates

4

Energy Conservation

5

Planetary Motion

6

Simple Harmonic Motion

7

Damped Oscillations

8

Forced Oscillations

9

Coupled Oscillations

10

Lagrangian Mechanics

11

Hamiltonian Mechanics

12

Frames of Reference

13

Generalized Coordinates

Total Topics13 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Physics

Calculus

Differential Equations

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

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Aerospace Engineer

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Data Scientist

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Research Scientist

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AerospaceAutomotiveRoboticsResearch and DevelopmentAcademia

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Motion in Central Force Fields

3h

Unit 1: Vector Analysis

3 study hours
  • •Review vector position, addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  • •Practice calculating gradients, divergence, and curl.
  • •Solve self-assessment exercises on vector manipulation.
Week
2

Module 1: Motion in Central Force Fields

3h

Unit 2: Central – Conservative Forces

3 study hours
  • •Define central, conservative, and central-conservative forces.
  • •Study the properties of central force fields and their implications.
  • •Understand the work performed by conservative force fields.
Week
3

Module 1: Motion in Central Force Fields

3h

Unit 3: Kinematics in Polar coordinates

3 study hours
  • •Learn to transform between Cartesian and polar coordinates.
  • •Evaluate velocity and acceleration components in polar coordinates.
  • •Solve problems involving motion in polar coordinates.
Week
4

Module 1: Motion in Central Force Fields

3h

Unit 4: Energy Conservation in Central – Conservative Force Fields

3 study hours
  • •Derive the radial energy equation.
  • •Apply energy conservation principles to central conservative force fields.
  • •Solve problems using the radial energy equation.
Week
5

Module 1: Motion in Central Force Fields

3h

Unit 5: Central – Conservative Force and Planetary Motion

3 study hours
  • •Review Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
  • •Study motion in an inverse square law force field.
  • •Relate Kepler's laws to Newton's laws of gravitation and motion.
Week
6

Module 2: Oscillatory Motion

3h

Unit 1: Linear Simple Harmonic Osillator

3 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of simple harmonic motion (SHM).
  • •Derive the equation of motion for SHM.
  • •Study examples of SHM, such as a simple pendulum and a mass-spring system.
Week
7

Module 2: Oscillatory Motion

3h

Unit 2: Conservation of Energy in SHM

3 study hours
  • •Find expressions for kinetic and potential energies in SHM.
  • •Establish that total energy remains constant during SHM.
  • •Solve problems involving energy conservation in SHM.
Week
8

Module 2: Oscillatory Motion

3h

Unit 3: Damped Oscillatory Motion

3 study hours
  • •Derive the equation of motion for damped oscillatory motion.
  • •Study the effects of damping on SHM.
  • •Distinguish between underdamped, critically damped, and overdamped systems.
Week
9

Module 2: Oscillatory Motion

3h

Unit 4: Forced Oscillatory Motion

3 study hours
  • •Derive the equation of motion for forced oscillatory motion.
  • •Study the phenomenon of resonance.
  • •Analyze the behavior of systems under external oscillatory forces.
Week
10

Module 2: Oscillatory Motion

3h

Unit 5: Coupled Oscillation

3 study hours
  • •Establish equations of motion for two coupled oscillatory systems.
  • •Determine normal frequencies and normal modes of vibration.
  • •Solve problems involving coupled oscillations.
Week
11

Module 3: Lagrange and Hamiltonian Meachanics

3h

Unit 1: Frame of Reference and Constraints of Motion

3 study hours
  • •Distinguish between inertial and non-inertial frames of reference.
  • •Understand how to impose constraints on a system.
  • •Study holonomic and non-holonomic constraints.
Week
12

Module 3: Lagrange and Hamiltonian Meachanics

6h

Unit 2: Generalized Coordinates

3 study hours
  • •Define generalized coordinates and degrees of freedom.
  • •Derive generalized quantities like velocity, momentum, and force.
  • •Apply generalized coordinates to simplify system analysis.

Unit 3: Lagrange's Mechanics

3 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of generalized coordinates and constrained motion.
  • •Derive Lagrange's equations of motion.
  • •Apply the Lagrange method to solve problems.
Week
13

Module 3: Lagrange and Hamiltonian Meachanics

6h

Unit 4: Hamilton's Mechanics

3 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of generalized coordinates and constrained motion.
  • •Derive Hamilton's equations of motion.
  • •Apply the Hamilton method to solve problems.

Unit 5: Between Newtonian, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics

3 study hours
  • •Transform Newton's law from vector to scalar notation.
  • •Compare Newtonian, Lagrangian, and Hamiltonian mechanics.
  • •Understand the relationships between these three approaches.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Thoroughly review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to identify areas of weakness.

2

Create concept maps linking vector analysis (Unit 1) to central force concepts (Units 2-5) for Module 1.

3

Practice deriving equations of motion for different oscillatory systems (simple pendulum, mass-spring) from Module 2.

4

Focus on understanding the mathematical formulations of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics (Module 3), not just memorizing equations.

5

Solve all example problems in the course material and attempt additional problems from textbooks.

6

Dedicate specific study sessions to each module, breaking down the content into smaller, manageable chunks.

7

Form a study group to discuss challenging concepts and practice problem-solving together.

8

Prioritize understanding the underlying principles rather than rote memorization of formulas.

9

Practice applying the concepts to real-world scenarios to enhance comprehension and retention.

10

Allocate sufficient time for revision and practice exams in the weeks leading up to the final examination.

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