Prospectus

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Classical Mechanics b

Course
2024-2025

Admission Requirements

Prior knowledge of Classical Mechanics a, Introduction to Modern Physics, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Analysis 1 (NA), Analysis 2 (NA) and Linear Algebra 1 (NA). It is to be expected that the student is taking Analysis 3 NA.

Description

The description of the laws of classical mechanics of Newton is given a more general and more fundamental form in the Lagrange and Hamilton formalisms. This description makes the theory more elegant and more broadly useful. In this form the theory prepares the scene for the treatment of Quantum mechanics.
Subjects to be discussed are: Generalized coordinates; phase space; constraints; Lagrangian and Lagrange’s equations; conservation laws; Hamiltonian and Hamilton’s equations; Hamilton’s principle (principle of least action).
The power of the formalism is illustrated by a second main topic: the analysis of systems of coupled harmonic oscillators. This is a subject of great importance, and examples of problems range from physics, to chemistry, engineering, etc.

Course objectives

After completing this course the student has gained insight into the importance of the Lagragnge and Hamilton formalism, and into the role of coupled harmonic oscillators in physics. The student is capable of solving problems using the Lagrange and Hamilton formalisms, and problems involving systems of coupled harmonic oscillators. You can apply the concepts to unknown problems.

Timetable

Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace

In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.

Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.

Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.

Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.

Mode of instruction

See Brightspace
Detailed lecture notes and/or references to speciifc Sections of the textbook are provided, and you are expected to prepare for each lecture by reading the materal (about 8 pages per week).

Exercise classes are orginised in groups. Teaching assistants will offer step-by-step instruction for solving problems, alternated with blocks of time for the students to solve problems, where assistance is constantly offered.

For students interested in more challinging problems and deeper questions we offer an Advanced Physics Track.

The class will be taught in English.

Assessment method

Written exam with open questions. Part of the exam tests the students' understanding of the theory, the other part tests the skills for independently solving problems. The exam can be retaken.
The grade will be determined from a combination of the exam and the homework exercises.

Reading list

The prime source of study material are the lecture notes, made available as a pdf document.
For further reading the following books are recommended:
Intermediate dynamics, P. Hamill; Cambridge University Press, 2nd edition, ISBN 978-1009098472
Analytical Mechanics, G.R. Fowles and G.L. Cassiday, 7th edition (Thomson Learning, inc., 2004), ISBN 9780534408138.
Classical Mechanics, H. Goldstein, C.P. Poole Jr., J.L. Safko, 3rd edition (Pearson Education Ltf., 2014), ISBN 9781292026558

Registration

As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.

In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.

There are two enrolment periods per year:

  • Enrolment for the fall opens in July

  • Enrolment for the spring opens in December

See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.

Note:

  • It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.

  • Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.

  • Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.

Contact

Contact details of the lecturer: Dr. Alessandra Silvestri

Remarks

Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.