Physics 105

Physics 105 covers classical mechanics, including Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations.

Overview

Physics 105 may sound like a rehashing of lower division classical mechanics but, at its heart, is a fundamentally groundbreaking course. Students explore the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of classical mechanics which apply the curiously named “principle of least action” to transform the messy vector equations of Newtonian vector mechanics into the elegant scalar relations of analytic mechanics. Students will see how the centrifugal and Coriolis forces fall beautifully out of the math of rotating frames, how central force potentials manifest as gravitational orbits, and how vibrations and rotations can be treated under this new analytical framework. Instructors also often introduce the basic concepts of chaos theory, a field which attempts to describe systems whose dynamics are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. This course is a must-have for even the least classical-sounding physics fields out there.

Prerequisites

Physics 5A, Physics 5B, and Physics 5C or Physics 7A, Physics 7B, and Physics 7C.

In practice, Physics 5C is not needed for this course; it will likely be possible to get instructor permission to take Physics 105 concurrently with it.

Student Comments

“It’s been hypothesized that the pace and content of this class vary greatly every semester. You might call this class ‘7A on steroids’, but every bit of new technique and model will be presented in a more systematic and rigorous fashion. Taylor’s textbook is also pleasant to read and exercise with. If you want even more thorough preparation, Landau’s mechanics is usually waiting for you in the physics library. In general, mastery of 105’s content, especially Hamiltonian mechanics, perturbation methods and central potential scattering, can make it a lot easier to transition into 112 and 137A.” – Yourong “Frank” Wang, undergraduate physics/mathematics

“Collaboration with others can be key in the homework, but exams and key concepts should be independently absorbed. Thus, while you may bounce ideas with classmates for assignments, make sure you readily understand what you're doing and practice by yourself.” – Nijaid Arredondo, undergraduate physics/astrophysics