Careful study of mechanics will also help you understand the underpinning concepts of quantum mechanics, although at the start of this course, you may actually be more sophisticated in the quantum realm than classically. Homework is graded on a 0-2 scale per problem or part thereof. Solutions will be placed on reserve in Stokes Library on the Monday following its due date. A computer project will commence on September 15 and last for several weeks. During that time the amount of homework assigned from each chapter will be reduced somewhat.
Attendance is mandatory.
The class will be divided into 3 working groups named for physicists who, after Newton contributed importantly to Classical Mechanics. Each group will be assigned to prepare one problem each week for presentation at the Wednesday recitation. The intent here is not to present the entire solution, but to outline the problem, give appropriate sketches, show how to start on it, point out pitfalls to expect and give partial answers to be aiming for. The groups must meet in advance of their presentation to confer on the solution to the exercise and to decide how to present the work. One or more students may be involved in the presentation and it is expected that over the course of a couple of weeks all the students in the group will have presented a problem.