Lecture Notes: Introduction to Physics - Professor Ramamurti Shankar

Course Overview

• Course Scope:

  • Covers major ideas in physics from Galileo and Newton to relativity and quantum mechanics.
  • Designed for a broad audience regardless of major or future career.
  • Importance of learning key revolutions in physics.

• Course Logistics:

  • Lectures: Monday and Wednesday, 11:30-12:45.
  • Problems assigned on Wednesday, due the following Wednesday before class.
  • Head TA: Mara Daniel (Baraban).
  • Use of class website for information and homework submissions.
  • Homework: 20%, Midterm: 30%, Final: 50%.
  • Amnesty Plan: Highest grade between weighted average and final exam grade determines course grade.

• Office Hours & Support:

  • TAs available in the undergraduate lounge daily.
  • Faculty discussion sections: Mark Caprio (Tuesdays, 1-2 pm, Sloane Lab), Steve Furlanetto (Tuesday nights, Dunham Lab).
  • Office hours for Professor Shankar to be determined.

• Classroom Etiquette:

  • Avoid talking to neighbors during lectures.
  • Sleeping in class is okay if it does not disturb others.
  • Students are encouraged to ask questions during lectures.

Learning and Study Tips

• Attendance: Important to hear the subject presented orally.
• Readings: Books are extensive; lectures highlight essential parts.
• Homework: Critical for understanding; worth 20% of grade but essential for learning.
• Collaboration: Working in groups is encouraged but ensure individual understanding.

Introduction to Newtonian Mechanics

• Historical Context: Developed by Newton; foundation until the introduction of electromagnetism by Maxwell.
• Focus: Mechanics of motion (kinematics and dynamics).
• Concepts of Present and Future: Predicting future motion based on initial conditions.
• Kinematics: Describing motion without considering forces; focuses on initial conditions.

Key Equations and Concepts

• Position and Velocity:

  • Position at time t: x(t).
  • Velocity: First derivative of position (dx/dt).
  • Acceleration: Second derivative of position (d²x/dt²).

• Constant Acceleration:

  • Equations of motion:
    • x(t) = x₀ + v₀t + (1/2)at²
    • v(t) = v₀ + at
    • v² = v₀² + 2a(x - x₀)

Example Problems

• Projectile Motion:
  • Initial conditions: y₀ = 15 meters, v₀ = 10 m/s, a = -10 m/s².
  • Equations used to determine height, time to reach ground, and velocity.

Tips for Solving Physics Problems

• Understand Assumptions: Verify when equations are applicable.
• Mathematical Manipulations: Use calculus and algebra to derive and solve equations.
• Interpret Solutions: Understand physical meaning and implications of mathematical results.

Conclusion

• Homework Assignments: Posted on the course website, due before class.
• Next Topic: Motion in higher dimensions (2D and 3D).