This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

Calendar

SES # TOPICS KEY DATES
1 Review of Newtonian Mechanics  
2 Calculus of Variation  
3 Lagrangian and Hamilton Principle Problem set 1 due
4 Lagrangian with Constraints  
5 Generalized Coordinates and Principle of Virtual Work Problem set 2 due
6 Conserved Quantities, Hamiltonian Problem set 3 due
7 Noether's Theorem, Canonical Equations and Phase Space  
8 Quiz 1  
9 Canonical Transformation I Problem set 4 due
10 Canonical Transformation II  
11 Kepler Problem, Orbits Problem set 5 due
12 Elastic Collisions  
13 Inelastic Scattering Problem set 6 due
14 Rutherford Scattering  
15 Non-inertial Frames  
16 Lagrangian for Rigid Bodies, Inertia, Symmetric Top Problem set 7 due
17 Angular Momentum, Free Top Problem set 8 due
18 Quiz Review  
19 Quiz 2  
20 Euler Angles, Equation of Motion  
21 Lagrangian for a Continuous System  
22 Solids and Fluids Problem set 9 due
23 Velocity Dependent Potentials  
24 Relativistic Lagrangian, Maxwell Equations  
25 Conserved Quantities in Field Theory, Energy-stress Tensor Problem set 10 due
26 Relativistic Lagrangian, Covariant Formulation, Outlook and Review