Introductory description

This module studies Newtonian mechanics and special relativity emphasizing the conservation laws inherent in the theory. These have a wider domain of applicability than just classical mechanics (for example they also apply in quantum mechanics). The module looks in particular at the mechanics of oscillations and of rotating bodies.

Einstein pointed out that Newton's laws were inconsistent with the theory of light waves: in mechanics objects only move relative to each other, whereas light appears to move relative to nothing at all (the vacuum). Einstein realised that Newtonian mechanics itself was the problem. He proposed that the laws of classical mechanics had to be consistent with just two postulates, namely that the speed of light is a constant and that all frames of reference are equivalent. These postulates forced Einstein to reject previous ideas of space and time and led directly to the special theory of relativity.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Forces, interactions and Newton's Laws of Motion
Applying Newton's Laws - equilibrium, dynamics of particles, friction and dynamics of circular
motion
Work and kinetic energy.
Potential energy and energy conservation.
Conservation of momentum, elastic collisions, centre of mass
Rotation of rigid bodies - angular velocity and acceleration
Dynamics of rotational motion, conservation of angular momentum
Hooke's law, equation of motion for a mass attached to a spring on a frictionless plane. Solutions
for shm. Energy in shm. The pendulum, departures from shm for large amplitude. Complex
notation. Damping: critical and under-/over-damping. Forced oscillations.
Motion as seen by different observers. Galilean Transformation of Velocities. Inertial frames of
reference
The Michelson Morley experiment. The universality of the speed of light. The meaning of
simultaneity.
Einstein's postulates: Lorentz transformation, Inverse Lorentz transformation and invariants.
Length Contraction and Time Dilation, Doppler Effect.
Einstein' energy and mass relation, energy and momentum of elementary particles.
Minkowski diagrams - graphical representation of past/present/future

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Solve F=dp/dt for a variety of cases
• Work with the concepts of kinetic and potential energy
• Recognise and solve the equations of forced and damped harmonic motion;
• Solve problems involving torque and angular momentum
• Explain the transformation between inertial frames of reference (Lorentz transformation) and work through illustrative problems

Indicative reading list

University Physics, Young and Freedman

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Interdisciplinary

Mechanics is inherently interdisciplinary. It uses mathematics to understand phenomena across physics, astronomy, engineering and living systems. It is about the use of calculus to describe motion and stability. Calculus is the mathematics co-invented by Newton to describe physical systems.

Subject specific skills

Knowledge of mathematics and physics. Skills in modelling, reasoning, thinking.

Transferable skills

Analytical, communication, problem-solving, self-study