Fall 2022

Newtonian Synthesis Lab

Listed in: Physics and Astronomy, as PHYS-123L

Faculty

Daniella C. Bardalez Gagliuffi (Section 01)
David S. Hall (Section 01)

Description

The idea that the same simple physical laws apply equally well in the terrestrial and celestial realms, called the Newtonian Synthesis, is a major intellectual development of the seventeenth century. It continues to be of vital importance in contemporary physics. In this course, we will explore the implications of this synthesis by combining Newton’s dynamical laws with his Law of Universal Gravitation. We will solve a wide range of problems of motion by introducing a small number of additional forces. The concepts of work, kinetic energy, and potential energy will then be introduced. Conservation laws of momentum, energy, and angular momentum will be discussed, both as results following from the dynamical laws under restricted conditions and as general principles that go well beyond the original context of their deduction. Four hours of lecture and discussion and one three-hour laboratory per week.

PHYS 123L - LAB

Section 01
W 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM SCCE A101

Offerings

Other years: Offered in Fall 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2024