Catalog Description:  Advanced Mechanics I is primarily an advanced study of the kinetics and dynamics of single particles: Newton's laws, concepts of momentum, work, energy; and conservation principles. Prerequisite: PHYS 251 and MATH 232.  One semester; three credits

Text: Mechanics by Symon plus on-line course notes

Prerequisites by Topics:  Newton's laws of motion, conservation of energy, conservation of linear momentum, conservation of angular momentum, differential equations, and vector calculus.

Goals:
1.  To train the student to think about physical phenomena in mathematical terms.
2.  To deepen the student's understanding of the basic laws of Newtonian (classical) mechanics
     a) using calculus and differential equations;
     b) using numerical methods with calculators/computers.
3.  To become familiar with order of magnitude estimates of various physical parameters and phenomena.
4.  To increase the student's ability to apply scientific principles and methods by applying them to a particular area of investigation.

Topics:
1.  Review of Newtonian Mechanics;  (Chapter 1)
   a)  motion under constant force
2.  Motion of a Particle in One Dimension  (Chapter 2)
   a)  motion under forces that depend only on time
   b)  motion under forces that depend only on velocity
   c)  motion under forces that depend only on position
   d)  falling bodies
   e)  the harmonic oscillator: undamped, damped, and forced
3.  Motion of a Particle in Two or Three Dimensions (Chapter 3)
   a)  vector algebra
   b)  momentum and energy in three dimensions
   c)  projectile motion
   d)  central force motions:  circular, elliptical, and hyperbolic motions
4.  Motion of a System of Particles (Chapter 4)
   a)  conservation laws:  energy, momentum, angular momentum
   b)  rockets and conveyor belts
   c)  collision problems
   d)  two-body problem & center of mass coordinates
   e)  Rutherford scattering
   f)  coupled harmonic oscillators
5.  Rigid Bodies; Rotation About an Axis (Chapter 5)
   a)  simple and compound pendulums
   b)  moment of inertia
   c)  flexible strings and cables

Instructor course pages:  Dr. Johnny Holmes