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
You will find the timetables for all courses and degree programmes of Leiden University in the tool MyTimetable (login). Any teaching activities that you have sucessfully registered for in MyStudyMap will automatically be displayed in MyTimeTable. Any timetables that you add manually, will be saved and automatically displayed the next time you sign in.
MyTimetable allows you to integrate your timetable with your calendar apps such as Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other calendar apps on your smartphone. Any timetable changes will be automatically synced with your calendar. If you wish, you can also receive an email notification of the change. You can turn notifications on in ‘Settings’ (after login).
For more information, watch the video or go the the 'help-page' in MyTimetable. Please note: Joint Degree students Leiden/Delft have to merge their two different timetables into one. This video explains how to do this.
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 registering on time, i.e. 14 days before the start of the course. This can be done via Mystudymap. You do this twice a year: once for the courses you want to take in semester 1 and once for the courses you want to take in semester 2. Please note: late registration is not possible.
Registration for courses in the first semester is possible from July; registration for courses in the second semester is possible from December. For more information, see this page
In addition, it is mandatory for all students to register for exams. This can be done up to and including 10 calendar days prior to the exam or up to five calendar days in case of a retake exam. You cannot participate in the exam or retake without a valid registration in My Studymap.
Contact
Contact details of the lecturer: Dr. Alessandra Silvestri
Remarks
none