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Newtonian & Relativistic Mechanics - PHY00021C

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  • Department: Physics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. James Cubiss
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

  • None

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations


Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

Classical mechanics is one of the cornerstones of physics. It provides methods for calculating the position, velocity, acceleration and other properties of the motion of point particles and extended bodies as function of time, if the forces acting are known. Classical mechanics is an important subject in its own right but it also forms the basis of several other branches of physical science; indeed many of the ideas incorporated in quantum theory have their origin in classical mechanics. This module commences with the study of translational motion in systems containing one or fewparticles. It then deals with rotational motion. Some of the central concepts of physics – such as momentum, force, energy, work, angular momentum and key conservation laws will be introduced. This module then expands on this classical material to provide an introduction to the ideas and concepts of Einstein’s special theory of relativity.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module successful students will be able to:

  • Apply dimensional homogeneity and dimensional analysis to simple physical systems.
  • Explain and discuss the central concepts of classical mechanics, including force, energy, work, momentum, moments of inertia, torque and angular momentum
  • Define inertial and non-inertial frames of reference
  • Derive the key results presented in lectures
  • Apply these results to seen and unseen physical situations by using them to set up a mathematical model and to find quantitative solutions
  • Discuss qualitatively the limitations of classical mechanics
  • Discuss the concepts and ideas that led to the theory of special relativity
  • State Einstein’s two postulates of Special Relativity
  • State the Lorentz transformation and apply it to simple problems
  • Solve simple problems concerning the way that time is dilated and length contracted when clocks and objects are seen in uniform motion relative to an observer
  • Describe and apply the relativistic Doppler effect
  • Solve elementary problems involving objects moving at relativistic velocities

Module content

Syllabus

Newtonian mechanics

  • Dimensions: Dimensional homogeneity and dimensional analysis
  • One-dimensional kinematics: displacement, instantaneous/average velocity and acceleration, motion under constant acceleration and free-fall.
  • Two-dimensional kinematics: position-, velocity- and acceleration-vectors, resolving into components, projectile motion, relative velocity in one and two dimensions.
  • Circular motion: angular frequency, centripetal acceleration and uniform circular motion.
  • Forces and Newton’s Laws: fundamental forces and interactions, Newton’s laws of motion and their applications, free-body diagrams, reaction forces, static and kinetic friction, dynamics of circular motion.
  • Work and energy: definition of work, sign of work, the work-energy theorem, work with a constant force, work with a variable force, power, conservative forces, work and potential energy, force and potential energy.
  • Momentum and collisions: Momentum and impulse, conservation of momentum, elastic and inelastic collisions, centre of mass, rocket propulsion.
  • Rotational kinematics: Angular velocity and acceleration, comparison with linear motion, energy and rotation, moments of inertia, calculation of moments of inertia for simple systems,perpendicular and parallel axis theorems and their derivation.
  • Rotational dynamics: Angular momentum, torque, relationship between torque & angular momentum & angular velocity & angular acceleration, conservation of angular momentum and its consequences, dynamics of simple systems with rotational and translational motion, Coriolis and centrifugal forces.

Special relativity

  • Ideas and thoughts that lead to the special theory of relativity
  • Inertial frames of reference
  • Einsteins postulates of special relativity
  • Spacetime
  • Events; simultaneous events
  • Time dilation; proper time
  • Length contraction; proper length
  • Lorentz transformation; examples and consequences
  • Relativistic addition of velocities
  • Relativistic Doppler shift for electromagnetic radiation
  • Relativistic definitions of linear momentum and energy
  • New units e.g. mass in terms of MeV/c2, linear momentum in terms of MeV/c
  • Relativistic total energy and rest energy (E=mc2)
  • Conservation laws for relativistic (total) energy and momentum

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Newtonian & Relativistic Mechanics Exam		 3 hours 80
Essay/coursework
Newtonian & Relativistic Mechanics Assignment		 N/A 20

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Newtonian & Relativistic Mechanics Exam		 3 hours 100

Module feedback

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Department Handbook.

Indicative reading

H D Young and R A Freedman: University Physics with Modern Physics ****

The Feynman Lectures on Physics: Volume 1 (Addison Wesley) **

K S Krane: Modern Physics ***

A.P. French: Special Relativity **


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.