Professor: Dr. Charles Kaufman
Semester: Fall
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PHY 204 and 205

Catalog Description: Introduction to relativistic and quantum physics: special relativity theory, structure of atoms, molecules, nuclei, and solids including semiconductor devices; wave and particle properties.

By the end of the semester students will be able to:

• Approach challenging analytical and numerical problems found in physics
• Apply various concepts from higher-level mathematics to solve such problems
• Strengthen their understanding of Newtonian mechanics on a higher level

This course meets three times per week for lecture. Topic covered in this course include:

• Matrices, Vectors, and Vector Calculus
• Newtonian Mechanics-Single Particle
• Oscillations
• Nonlinear Oscillations and Chaos
• Gravitation
• Hamilton's Principle-Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics
• Central-Force Motion
• Dynamics of a System of Particles
• Motion in a Nonintertial Reference Frame

Grades are based on the following criteria:

• Homework
• Unit Exams (4)
• Final Exam

http://www.phys.uri.edu/people/kaufman.html

This course allows students to practice analytical and numerical problem solving in higher-level Newtonian mechanics. The concepts of higher-level mechanics will be necessary to understand the details of equipment and theory that a medical physicist will encounter in their training and career.

http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/OrbitalDynamicsInFieldOfTwoPlanets/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRh75B5iotI