MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics / Course details

Dynamics

To introduce the fundamental concepts of Newtonian mechanics.

On completion successful students will be able to explain the role of, and solve problems involving, the following concepts: 

1. Construct solutions problems combining the concepts of energy, work, power, momentum, force, impulse, angular velocity, angular acceleration and torque as appropriate
2. Select the application of conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum where appropriate in the solution and analysis of problems
3. Analyse motion in a gravitational field
4. Explain the role of, and analyse problems involving Newton's laws and the motion of simple systems
5. Explain the role of, and solve problems involving a frame of reference and its associated coordinate systems
6. Solve problems involving the rotation of rigid bodies, and select appropriate methods for solution

Linear Kinematics

Velocity and Acceleration as Differentiation

The Equation of Motion

Solutions to the Equations of Motion using Mathematical Techniques

Motion in 2D and 3D 1

Position, velocity and acceleration as vectors; simple vector calculus.

Accelerated motion in 2D (canon ball and circular motion)

Motion in 2D and 3D 2

Description of motion using polar coordinates

Reference frames, relative velocity, change of frame.

Newton's Laws

Newton I, II and III; application to circular motion.

Friction

Static and Dynamic Friction (also, motion in a vertical circle).

Work and Energy

Work energy theorem, centre of mass, reduced mass.

Potential Energy

Forms of potential energy and their application.

Momentum and Collisions

Momentum and its conservation.

Elastic and inelastic collisions.

Rotation of Rigid Bodies 1

Rigid body rotation

The vector product

Moments of inertia and their calculation

Torque and Newton II

Rotation of Rigid Bodies 2

Rolling without slipping

Combining rotation and translation

Angular momentum

Vector form

Gravitation

Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion

Gravitational Potential Energy

Spherical mass distributions

Assessment - Exam

Tutorial

Assessment - Coursework

Lecture

Assessment - Revision/Preparation

Independent Study

* Other

10% Online Assignment 

10% Tutorial Work/attendance 

Feedback will be offered by tutors on students’ written solutions to weekly examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.

Online quizzes will also be incorporated into the weekly learning material to give students instant feedback on their understanding and ability to apply their knowledge and skills. 

Compulsory Text book

University Physics – Young & Freedman – Pearson – 2020 -

Recommended texts

Dynamics and Relativity - J Forshaw and A G Smith – Wiley – 2009 - 

Newtonian mechanics – French, A. P. - Norton  - 1971 - ISBN: 0393099709

Fundamentals of physics - Halliday, David, - Wiley – 2014 - ISBN: 9781118230718

An introduction to mechanics - Kleppner, Daniel, - Cambridge University Press – 2014 - ISBN: 9780521198110

Physics for scientists and engineers with modern physics - Tipler, Paul Allen,   W H Freeman and Company – 2008 - ISBN: 9781429202657

Further mathematics for the physical sciences - Tinker, Michael,; Lambourne, Robert J., - Wiley – 2000 - ISBN: 0471866911

Basic mathematics for the physical sciences - Lambourne, Robert.; Tinker, Michael. - Wiley – 2000 - ISBN: 9780471852063