PHYS 335 - Classical Mechanics

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FA, alternate years. Theory and applications of the Newtonian framework, covering systems of particles, conservation laws, the harmonic oscillator, central forces, orbital motion, motion in non-inertial reference frames, rotations of rigid objects, coupled oscillators and normal modes, the principle of least action, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. The status of Newtonian determinism and the question of predictability are also addressed. Prerequisite(s): PHYS 235 (may be taken concurrently) and MATH 172. In addition, CS 106, MATH 231, and MATH 271 are recommended.