PHYS3011 Mechanics I
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PHYS3011 Mechanics I

The course covers the foundation of classical mechanics at the undergraduate level.
Topics include:
  • vectors, matrices and vector calculus;
  • Newtonian mechanics of single particles;
  • calculus of variations;
  • Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics;
  • central force motions;
  • dynamics of a system of particles; and
  • moving coordinate systems.
    Pre-requisite: PHYS1111 or its equivalents, or premission of instructor.
    • Course Instructor

    Prof. LO Chi-Fai
    Office: SC 207, Tel: 3943-6362, Email: cflo@phy.cuhk.edu.hk

    Teaching Assistant(s)

    Mr. Chan Ching Kwan, Adrian
    Office: SC 315, Email: 1155077723@link.cuhk.edu.hk
    Consultation Hours: W6-7, Wednesday 1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

    Mr. QIAN Chen
    Office: SC 322(seat 11T), Email: qchen@phy.cuhk.edu.hk
    Consultation Hours: M5-6, Monday 12:30 PM - 2:15 PM

    Ms. LAM Shiu Hei, Tina
    Office: SC 313(seat 12E)*, Email: shlam@phy.cuhk.edu.hk
    Consultation Hours: W4-5, Wednesday 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM

    *: only during consultation hours

    Lecture Class

    T4-5, Tuesday 11:30 AM-1:15 PM (MMW LT1)
    H3, Thursday 10:30 AM-11:15 PM (ERB LT)

    Tutorial Class

    H4, Thursday 11:30 AM-12:15 PM (ERB LT)

    Exercise Class

    M11, Monday 6:30 PM-7:15 PM (MMW 702)
    T10, Tuesday 5:30 PM-6:15 PM (ERB 404)
    W10, Wednesday 5:30 PM-6:15 PM (ERB 404)

    Syllabus

    1. Review of Newtonian Mechanics
    2. Least Action Principle and Calculus of Variations
    3. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics
    4. Central Force Motion
    5. Many-particle Systems
    6. Moving Coordinate Systems

    Reference Books

  • J. B. Marion and S. T. Thornton, Classical Dynamics of Particles & Systems, 3rd ed, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Inc, 1988 QA845.M38 1988
  • A. P. Arya, Introduction to Classical Mechanics, Prentice-Hall, 1990 QC125.2.A79
  • T. W. B. Kibble, Classical Mechanics, 3rd ed, Longman, 1985
  • K. R. Symon, Mechanics, 3rd ed, Addison-Wiley, 1971 QC125.S98 1971
  • H. Goldstein, Classical Mechanics, 2nd ed., Addison-Wiley, 1980

    • Assessment Scheme

    Homework : 20%
    Mid-term : 30%
    Final Exam : 50%

    Note that the mid-term examination will be held on February 25, 2021.

    The final examination will be conducted online from 1:30pm till 4:00pm on April 28, 2021 (Wednesday).


    Departmental Rule:

    A student who scores less than 20% in the written exam parts (i.e., mid-term exam and final exam) will be given an F grade.

    Academic Honesty

    Attention is drawn to University policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, and to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details may be found at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/ . Students will be required to submit a signed declaration that they are aware of these policies, regulations, guidelines and procedures at the beginning of the course.