Phys 156 Classical and Statistical Mechanics Fall 09 Prerequisites: Phys 110, 124
Instructor: Hossein Partovi Office: SEQ‑430 Tel: 278‑6501/6518 e‑mail: hpartovi@csus.edu
web: www.csus.edu/indiv/p/partovimh/ Office Hours: M(10-11, SEQ‑430) W(10-1, SEQ‑124)
The objective of this course is to develop basic conceptual understanding and working knowledge and proficiency in topics of undergraduate mechanics and statistical mechanics. These include Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, rigid body rotational motion, vibrations and normal modes in mechanics, and kinetic theory, principles of statistical mechanics, Boltzmann, Bose-Einstein, and Fermi-Dirac statistics and applications in statistical mechanics. The textbooks for this course are Classical mechanics, J. R. Taylor (University Science Books), and Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics, Ashley Carter (Prentice Hall). Other useful sources are Classical Dynamics, by Thornton and Marion, and Thermal Physics, Kittel and Kroemer. Homework is to be handed in by 4:00 PM on Fridays (at my office). Late homework will count for no more than half credit if occasional, and will not be accepted when habitual. A fraction of each problem set will be randomly selected and graded. As usual, working through the examples in the textbook and on the homework problems and thoroughly understanding them is a major component of the learning process. Do not hesitate to ask HP or others questions about the homework, or study and work with friends or in groups. But be certain that such means serve the purpose of removing your misconceptions and gaining a full understanding of the matter at hand, and that the end product is your work. Needless to say, copying solutions or letting your partner do the thinking defeats the very purpose of the exercise and is not acceptable.
There will be three midterm exams as well as a final; these will count for 20%, 20%, 20%, and 20% respectively. Homework and unannounced quizzes will count for 20%.
Aug 31-Sep 4 T7 Review T6, [T6] 25 [T7] 29, 35, 36
Sep 7-11 T7/10 [T7] 37, 38, 41 [10] 6, 8, 18 (9/7 is a holiday)
Sep 14-18 T10 [T10] 23, 24, 30, 33, 36
Sep 21-25 T10 [T10] 37, 40, 43, 52, 57
First Exam, due Monday, 9/28/09, 4:00 pm
Sep 28-Oct 2 T11 [T11] 2, 5, 9, 12, 16 (10/2 is a furlough day)
Oct 5-9 T11 [T11] 19, 25, 29, 32
Oct 12-16 T13 [T13] 2, 5, 7, 17 (10/16 is a furlough day)
Oct 19-23 T13 [T13] 18, 21, 23
Second Exam, due Monday, 10/26/09, 4:00 pm
Oct 26-30 C11 [C11] 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12
Nov 2-6 C12 [C12] 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12
Nov 9-13 C13 [C13] 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12
Nov 16-20 C13/14 [C14] 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Third Exam, due Monday, 11/30/09, 4:00 pm
Nov 23-27
Nov 30-Dec 4 C18
Dec 7-11 C19