PHY201 Classical Mechanics I

Classical Mechanics introduces the fundamental principles governing the motion of particles and rigid bodies, providing the theoretical foundation for much of modern physics. Beginning with Newtonian dynamics, the course develops the powerful Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, emphasizing symmetry, conservation laws, oscillations, and motion in inertial and non-inertial reference frames.

Course Syllabus

1. Review of Newtonian mechanics, Two-body central force problem, Collisions and scattering, scattering cross section, Virial Theorem.
2. Generalized coordinates and velocities; Lagrangian formulation.
3. Principle of least action; Symmetries and Noether’s Theorem
4. Motion in non-inertial frames; Coriolis force
5. Small oscillations; normal modes
6. Hamilton’s equations; Poisson bracket; Liouville’s theorem

References

1. Classical Mechanics by H. Goldstein, C. P. Poole, J. Safko, Pearson Education Dorling Kinderslay, 3rd Ed.
2. Course of Theoretical Physics, Volume 1: Mechanics, L.D. Landau and E.M. Lifshitz
3. Classical Mechanics by N. C. Rana & P. S. Joag, Mc Graw Hill Education
4. Classical Mechanics by Subir Sarkar, Cambridge University Press

Problem Sets