PHS 211 Lecture Notes: Classical Physics

Lecturer

• Olasunkanmi Isaac OLUSOLA (Ph.D.)

Course Contents

• Introduction to classical mechanics
  • Space and time
  • Straight line kinematics
  • Motion in a plane
  • Forces and conservation
  • Particle dynamics
  • Collisions and conservation laws
  • Work and potential energy
  • Inertia forces and non-inertia frames
  • Central force motions
  • Rigid bodies and rotational dynamics

Suggested References

1. Classical Mechanics by Golstein (McGrawhill)
2. Fundamentals of Physics by J. Walker
3. A Shorter Intermediate Mechanics by D. Humphrey
4. A Textbook of Dynamics by F. Chorton (Ellis Horwood Ltd.)

Key Concepts

Introduction to Classical Mechanics

• Study of effects of external forces on bodies at rest or in motion
• Bodies could be rigid, elastic, liquids, or gases
• Fundamental concepts: length, mass, time
• Derived concepts: density, area, speed
• Foundational to fields like space physics, relativistic mechanics, statistical mechanics, acoustics, elasticity, fluid mechanics
• Classical mechanics is synonymous with Newtonian mechanics

Classical Models of Time & Space

• Time intervals modeled by real numbers (measured via clocks)
• SI unit of time: second

Scalars & Vectors

• Scalars: quantities with magnitude only
• Vectors: quantities with both magnitude and direction
• Notation in 1D and 3D
• Addition of vectors and vector components explained
• Vector notations and operations including scalar (dot) and vector (cross) products

Kinematics

• Study of motion without reference to forces
• Rectilinear motion (motion in a straight line)
• Average and instantaneous velocity defined
• Acceleration and uniform acceleration explained, including equations and examples
• Relationship between velocity, acceleration, and time

Important Equations

• Average velocity: [ V = \frac{x_1 - x_0}{t_1 - t_0} ]
• Instantaneous velocity: [ V(t) = \frac{dx}{dt} ]
• Acceleration: [ a = \frac{dV}{dt} ], [ a = \frac{d^2x}{dt^2} ]

Examples

• Provided example for position function ( x(t) = at^2 + C )
• Example calculations for velocity and acceleration from given functions

These notes summarize the core content and concepts of classical mechanics as outlined in the PHS 211 course by Dr. Olasunkanmi Isaac Olusola. The provided references and fundamental equations offer a basis for further study in related fields of physics.