Physics 8.012 is an introduction to classical mechanics for students who are comfortable with calculus. The main topics will be:
- Vectors and kinematics
- Forces and motion
- Momentum
- Energy
- Angular motion and angular momentum
- Gravity and planetary motion
- Moving frames
- Motion of rigid bodies
Classical mechanics is a beautiful subject. It starts with a few simple principles, but is capable of describing some extremely complex and surprising phenomena. It has many applications, and is still an active subject of research. It is also the foundation for more advanced theories of physics.
On the other hand, it is not an easy subject. For many people, it is the most difficult subject they will ever encounter. Physics 8.012 offers many resources to help you in your engagement with classical mechanics. These include: lectures, recitations, a required text and recommended supplement, problem sets, quizzes, tutoring and staff office hours, and a lab. The lab is not onerous, and in the past many students have reported that it was an especially rewarding experience. I will also offer a weekly challenge problem. To derive the full value of the course, you should plan to be active and curious.
The required text is Kleppner and Kolenkow, An Introduction to Mechanics. Also recommended is Busza, Cartwright, and Guth, Essentials of Introductory Classical Mechanics, as a supplement.
Your grade will be based on homework, quizzes, final, and lab work. The relative weights of these components will be:
Homework 30%
Quiz 1 15%
Quiz 2 15%
Final 25%
Lab 15%
The homework will be problem sets, ordinarily one set per week. They are due one week from (electronic) distribution. Answers will be posted promptly after the due date, so grades for late work will be heavily discounted. Your worst homework grade will be discarded.
Any objections to homework or quiz grades should be submitted promptly in the form of clearly stated, specific, written queries to your TA. Please do not submit frivolous or dubious material. The staff's time is valuable.
The lab grade is quantized: if you do the lab you get full credit, if you don't you get 0.
The special or challenge problems do not form a significant component of your grade. If you otherwise fall right on a cusp (e.g., between B+ and A-), a good showing might push you over. At the end of the course a few prizes will be distributed to people who do a good job on them, entirely at the lecturer's discretion.
Physics is an empirical discipline and we wish to give you an opportunity to interact directly with nature and personally check some of the concepts you will study in 8.012.
The bad news is that each student is expected to perform 3 two-hour experiments during the semester. The good news is that no preparation or lab report is required. You just come to the lab, have an experiment assigned to you and do the work during the 2 hour period.