PHYS2250

Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity

Faculty of Science and Information Technology School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

Classical Mechanics is the study of mass in motion. At large speeds, the theory of relativity applies. This course provides an intermediate treatment of kinematics, oscillatory motion, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian methods. High speed limits are discussed in the context of Special Relativity.

In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory Workplace Health and Safety requirement. Students will receive full information on this compulsory course component in the course outline provided by the school.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course, students will have:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the classical laws of motion.
2. Competency in using the essential mathematical skills needed for describing mechanics and special relativity
3. Problem solving skills.
4. Laboratory-based competency.
5. An appreciation of the influence of classical mechanics and relativity on modern scientific development.
6. An interest in the role of mechanics and relativity in the everyday world

Content

" Review of basics of motion: velocity, acceleration, Newton laws
" Motion in a uniform force field
" Oscillatory motion
" Motion in a central force field, gravitation and Kepler's laws
" Rotating coordinates and non-inertial reference frames
" Many particle motion and modes
" Rigid body motion, inertia
" Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation
" Special relativity, Minkowski space

Replacing Course(s)

PHYS3290 Special Relativity.

Transition

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

PHYS1210, PHYS1220 and MATH1120 (or MATH1220)

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Laboratory
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments
Examination: Formal
Laboratory Exercises
Quiz - Tutorial

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Laboratory: for 3 hour(s) per Week for 8 weeks

Compulsory Components

Compulsory Course Component	WHS-Safety Induction or Risk Assessment. Compulsory Course Component: In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety induction.

Timetables