Classical Mechanics & Advanced Laboratories for Physics with Philosophy - PHY00080H

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Module summary

Classical mechanics remains one of the best theories for explaining the macroscopic world, and indeed the Universe. In this module, you will grow in your understanding of this foundational theory of physics, developing the skills required to solve problems across a broad range of topics. The mechanics covered here will allow you to investigate systems ranging from stabilising gyroscopes in lifeboats, to the motion of planets around stars, including our own. The laboratories will develop the core experimental/simulation competencies required of a physicist. Students should become knowledgeable in operating advanced physical apparatus often found in research and development settings. The students will also learn advanced physics topics through experimentation and simulations.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

• Mathematics, Professional Skills & Introduction to Laboratories (PHY00050I)

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

The aim of this module is to develop the core competencies and knowledge that are required of any physicist. 

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 a 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 few particles. 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.

 

Laboratories:

This module builds on the knowledge gained in the lectures and the laboratory skills learned in the previous stage. This module aims to increase the level of sophistication in the experiments, approach to advanced data analysis, and writing, consistent with those practised in research and development. The extended length of the experiment/simulation will develop students' time management and self-directed research skills.  

Data analysis Skills:

The training aims to get students an understanding of the error analysis on sound statistical science basis and have practical experience of curve fittings and using advanced software, with direct application to data analysis in the experiment/simulations where relevant.

Module learning outcomes

Classical Mechanics:

• Understand how the postulates of Newtonian mechanics allow problems to be mathematically formulated 

• Understand how to apply concepts such as force, torque, energy, work, momentum, angular momentum, acceleration, mass, and moments of inertia to formulate equations describing the motion of  both linear and rotating systems

• Solve mechanics problems using both kinematic and dynamic approaches for a range of linear and rotating systems 

 

Data Science Skills:

• Describe the basic statistics often encountered in experimental settings and simulate random samples of the experimental results using Monte Carlo simulation.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles underlying data analysis and perform advanced data analysis with Origin or Python-based software

• Apply the understanding of the statistical science to correctly interpret the result of data analysis

 

Laboratories:

• Conduct preliminary study of the concepts and principles involved in the experimentation/simulation and outline the plan 

• Execute an experiment/simulation over an extended time, using a range of experimental techniques and appropriate data analysis and processing methods.

• Discuss philosophical arguments relevant to the experimental topic of the laboratory.

 

Module content

Classical mechanics:

• 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 and angular momentum & angular velocity and angular acceleration,conservation of angular momentum and its consequences, and dynamics of simple systems with rotational and translational motion.

 

Professional Skills:

Softwares for data analysis will be introduced and provided     

The basic principle of statistical science of data analysis will be provided in notes and brief lectures.

The learning of data analysis will be by practicals

 

Laboratories:

Lab scripts for each experiment/simulation will be provided.

Guidance for preliminary report, notebook keeping and assessment writing will be provided.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	50.0
Essay/coursework	50.0

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	50.0
Essay/coursework	50.0

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments. 

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback. This can be found at:

https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/ 

The School of Physics, Engineering & Technology aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 25 working days of the end of any given examination period. The School will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 25 working days of the submission deadline. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each semester provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date. 

Indicative reading

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

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