Course Details
Subject {L-T-P / C} : PH2008 : Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems { 3-0-0 / 3}
Subject Nature : Theory
Coordinator : Prof. Pawan Kumar
Syllabus
Survey of Newtonian mechanics & forces of constraints, homogeneity and isotropy of space and time: conservation laws. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics: Generalized co-ordinates, configuration and phase space, cyclic co-ordinates and conservation theorem, variational principle, principle of least action, derivation of Lagrange's equation, extension of Hamilton's principle to systems with constraints, Legendre transformation and Hamilton's equations, Roth's procedures. Central force problem: reduction of two body problem to one body problem, Virial theorem, integrable power law potentials, Bertrand's theorem, inverse square law, Laplace-Runge-Len vector, scattering in central force.
Course Objectives
- To gain deeper understanding and solving problems of classical mechanics by using Lagrangian and Hamiltonian approach.
Course Outcomes
CO1: To Recognize the shortcoming of Newtonian approach for finding the equation of systems, involving constraint forces. <br />CO2: To gain an understanding of topics such as central forces and solving problems related to it.
Essential Reading
- H. Goldstein, Classical Mechanics, Addison Wesley, Pearson Education, 2007.
- S. T. Thornton & J. B. Marion, Classical Dynamics, Cengage Learning, 5th Ed. 2008.
Supplementary Reading
- L. D. Landau and E. M. Lifshitz, Course of Theoretical Physics- Mechanics, (vol.-1), 3rd Ed., Pergamon Press.
- R. D. Gregory, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, 2006.