Physics 110B : Course Information and Calendar

Subject Matter and Course Texts
Classical Mechanics is a mature subject which lies at the core of Physics. Your familiarity with mathematical techniques such as vector calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra will allow us to pursue a rather sophisticated study of Mechanics, and by applying these powerful tools to physical problems, you will sharpen both your physical intuition as well as your mathematical skills.

The course text is Taylor's Classical Mechanics (ISBN 1-891389-22-X). I will mostly be following my course notes, which are available through the Lecture Notes page. The 110B material is found in chapters 12 through 19 of the notes. I have also included a link to the 110A material in chapters 1 through 11.

Problem Sets and Problem Sessions
I will assign seven problem sets throughout the quarter. You are encouraged to discuss the problem sets with your fellow students. I suggest that you initially try to do the problems by yourselves, so that you can more accurately identify your confusions and honestly assess your weaknesses. I have reserved Monday evenings, 6 pm to 7:50 pm, in Mayer Hall 2623, for problem sessions, during which students will assemble in groups and work together to solve homework problems on the board, as the TA and I mill about the room offering advice. A detailed solution set will be made available through the course web site after you hand in each assignment.

Discussion Sessions and Office Hours
The TA (Akhil Premkumar) and I will hold weekly office hours. Please come and see us! Akhil will also conduct a weekly discussion on Tuesday evenings (7 pm to 7:50 pm in Peterson 102).

Grading
The magic formula: 35% problem sets, 10% midterm #1, 15% midterm #2, 40% comprehensive final. Midterm #1 will take place on Jan 22, while midterm #2 will be on Feb 19, both in the 7 pm Tuesday evening discussion session slot. To submit an exam or problem set for re-grading, you must resubmit your original work together with a detailed description of your grievance.

TritonEd
Akhil and I will use TritonEd to record all course grades. In addition, Akhil may use the TritonEd site, as needed, to post his own material. All other course materials, including lecture notes, problem sets, and problem set and exam solutions, will be distributed through the Physics Department course web pages (i.e. what you are viewing now).

Preparing for the Final Exam
The final exam will be held Friday, March 22, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm in Center Hall 222. The March 18 monday evening problem session will be used as a review for the final exam. During the final you will be permitted to consult three pages (8.5" x 11", double-sided) of notes, but no other sources. Please bring two blue books, something with which to write, and scrap paper to the exam. The exam will be based on some subset of the following sections from the course lecture notes:

- ch. 12: sections 12.1 through 12.4 (entire chapter)
- ch. 13: sections 13.1 through 13.5
- ch. 14: sections 14.1 through 14.3
- ch. 15: sections 15.1 and 15.2
- ch. 16: sections 16.1 through 16.3
- ch. 17: sections 17.1, 17.2, and 17.4
- ch. 18: sections 18.1 and 18.2
- ch. 19: sections 19.1 through 19.6