electiveHQ

This course starts by developing the principles of Newtonian Mechanics for particles, systems of particles and rigid bodies. It focuses on applications of Newton's laws with an emphasis on problem solving. Interesting aspects ranging from variational principles to dynamical systems will be considered. [Newton’s laws of motion] Revision of Newton's laws of motion and the concept of kinetic and potential energy. Conservative force fields and conservation of energy. Equilibrium of a particle and stability of equilibrium. [Central forces and planetary and satellite motion] Motion in a plane is discussed with a focus on central forces. Newton’s law of gravitation. Determination of the orbit from the central force. Kepler’s laws of planetary motion and the motion of satellites. [Moving coordinate systems] Non-inertial coordinate systems. Rotating coordinate systems. Velocity and acceleration in a moving frame. Coriolis and centripetal acceleration. [Systems of Particles] Centre of mass. Momentum of a system of particles. Motion of the centre of mass. Angular momentum of a system of particles. Total external moment acting on a system and its relation to the angular momentum.