Spring 2006
  PHY 432 - Mechanics II
Catalog
Description
Continuation of PHY 331. Hamilton's equations of motion, approximations, central forces, rigid bodies and waves.
Course
Objectives
To provide physics and engineering students with a strong background in mechanics.
Topics
Chapters 6 - 11: Gravitation, central forces, dynamics of systems of particles, rigid bodies, Lagrangian mechanics, oscillating systems, special relativity.
Prerequisite
PHY 331 - Mechanics I
Instructor
John J. Lynch, Ph.D.
Office: 110 Donahue Hall
Office Phone: (304) 243-2287
Home Phone: (304) 292-6987 
Cell Phone: (304) 376-6987
E-mail Address: 
Office Hours: <see schedule>
Required
Items
Analytical Mechanics , Grant R. Fowles and George L. Cassiday, 6th ed.; a mathematical handbook, a scientific pocket calculator, a protractor, and a ruler. 
Reserve
Homework solutions for problems that have just been graded will be available online.
Lectures
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11:00 to 11:50 in 106 Donahue Hall. 
Weekly
Homework
Assignments
Homework assignments will be e-mailed to students about a week before they are due. Homework must be submitted on Wednesday at the beginning of class. Students are encouraged to visit, phone, or e-mail the instructor with any questions regarding the homework assignments. Students are also encouraged to discuss the homework assignments with other students. The two lowest homework scores will be discarded.
Exams
Four one-hour exams and a final exam will be administered. These exams will be held on the following days:

   Exam 1: Friday, February 10th
   Exam 2: Friday, March 10th
   Exam 3: Friday, April 7th
   Exam 4: Friday, May 5th

All one-hour exams are closed-book. Students may use both sides of a 3"x5" index card on which they have jotted down formulas, laws, definitions, constants, etc., and they may use a scientific pocket calculator. All four index cards are allowed on the final exam. Students may not share index cards or calculators.

The final exam will be a take-home, comprehensive exam.

Attendance
Students are expected to attend all lectures. Good class attendance is highly correlated with good grades. It is the responsibility of a student to inform the professor of the cause of any absence in advance. If the cause of the absence occurs suddenly, a student must inform the professor as soon as possible. Freshmen and upperclassmen on academic probation are permitted no more than six absences.
Workload
Students are expected to spend an average of two hours in study and preparation for every hour of class.
Grading
The following weights will be used in determining students' numerical grades: 

   28% Homework
   54% Four 50-minute Exams
   18% Final Comprehensive Exam

The two lowest of the four 50-minute exams scores will carry a weight of 9% each while the other two will carry a weight of 18% each. After the second exam, an addendum to this syllabus will be made available showing students how to convert numerical grades into letter grades.

Academic
Integrity
Plagiarism or cheating makes a student liable for an F in the course. Students should refer to the Student Handbook for a complete description on academic integrity.
ADA
If a student has a disability and anticipates needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise the instructor.