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Topics
Covered:
During the first semester (Physics
247),the topics covered are a mix of Newtonian and relativistic
mechanics:
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Kinematics: how things move in the absence
of forces.
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Kinematics in special relativity: kinematics
at high speed.
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Dynamics: how things move in the presence
of forces.
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Dynamics in special relativity: dynamics
at high speed.
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Momentum, angular momentum, and energy:
three things that are often conserved, and are therefore
quite useful.
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Hooke’s law: how springs work.
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Friction: well, most of us think
we know what this is.
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Static equilibrium: the forces on a stationary
object.
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Newtonian gravitation: gravity for moderately
massive objects.
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General relativity: gravity for zero mass
objects, like the photon, and for really massive objects,
such as black holes.
Aproximate Schedule...>>
Laboratory component:
A combination of numerical exercises
and laboratory experiments will be carried out in a weekly
3 hour laboratory session.
Grading:
Your grade will be based on a weighted
average of your work as follows:
20% homework
20% laboratory (experimental and numerical)
20% final exam
40% for the three midterms.
This last 40% will be 2/5 your best
midterm, 2/5 your second best, and 1/5 your third best (for
those who are counting, that’s 16%, 16%, 8%). We will drop
your lowest homework score and your lowest laboratory score.
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