Mechanics II

Mechanics II
PHY 35102 Spring 2001


INSTRUCTOR:	E.K. Mann (Office: SMH322)
E-MAIL & PHONE:	`emann@kent.edu` (330)672-9750
CLASS HOURS:	MWF 12:05-12:55 SMH208
OFFICE HOURS:	MWF 10:15-11:30 or by appointment

Goals:

Introduce the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approaches to physics

Appreciate the power and implications of conservations laws in classical mechanics.

Begin to explore methods for treating multi-particle and extended systems.

TEXTBOOKS:

"Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems" Marian & Thornton (1988, 4th ed.)

GRADES: Your course grade will be weighted as follows:


Homework	30%
Pre-assignments and in-class discussion	10%
Midterm Exam I	20%
Midterm Exam II	20%
Final	20%

Syllabus

Homework will be assigned approximately once a week, and must be handed in when due; normally, late work will not be accepted. Several times during the year, homework will be assigned to groups of two or three. However, each student should turn in a separate report, which should not be identical to any other: at least use your own words, even if you are modest and think someone else said it better.
Pre-assignments (click on the link above) must be completed by 9 am of the day of class. They are required, but will be graded on effort, not on any "right answer": there may be none, and a wrong answer may be worthwhile.
Mid-terms will be given at the beginning of October and the beginning of November. The exact date will be announced at least one week before the exam.
The final will be given at the assigned time and will be comprehensive.

Last updated: January 15, 2001