2009/10 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MATH1382 Fundamentals of Particle Dynamics

10 Credits Class Size: 160

Module manager: Dr T. Wagenknecht
Email: t.wagenknecht@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2009/10

Pre-requisite qualifications

A good A-level Mathematics grade or equivalent.

Mutually Exclusive

MATH1410 Modelling Force and Motion

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

A basic module in Newtonian Mechanics. Newton's laws, together with the law of gravitation, describe the motion of bodies which can be modelled as particles. Ideas of symmetry and conservation laws are essential to describe three-dimensional motion. Ideas of work and energy are introduced and to show conservation of energy provides an alternative approach to that of forces.

Objectives

To introduce and apply the fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics.

On completion of this module, students should be able to:
(a) model mechanical problems in both Cartesian and polar coordinate systems;
(b) formulate and solve both static and dynamic problems of particle mechanics;
(c) solve problems based on Newton's Laws via principles of Work, Energy and Momentum.

Syllabus

Units and dimensions. Dimensional analysis. Newton's laws of Motion and initial value problems. Examples of forces: gravitational force. Galilean transformations. Symmetries and conservation laws in Newtonian mechanics. Work and energy. Conservative forces and potential energy. One dimensional motion in a gravitational field, escape velocity. Elastic collisions in one dimension. Oscillatory motion in one dimension. Hooke's law. Simple harmonic motion (SHM), damping, forced oscillation and resonance. Circular motion: polar coordinates. Gravitational field and orbits: Kepler's laws.

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 22 1 22
Tutorial 5 1 5
Private study hours 73
Total Contact hours 27
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 100

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course Assessment . 15
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 15

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins 85
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 85

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 7/16/2010

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team