LECTURE NOTES/TEXTBOOK

An extensive set of lecture notes for P235W have been combined into a 590-page dedicated textbook called "Variational Principles in Classical Mechanics" which will be distributed gratis to students taking P235W. This serves both as a textbook and lecture notes. It include more material than will be covered during lectures in order to provide a review of material covered in your earlier courses. The main body of the class textbook addresses use of the variational principles in classical mechanics which underlies P235W. Chapters 15-17 will introduce you to recent advances in classical mechanics and their relation to modern physics. This advanced material will be valuable for your quantum mechanics and related physics courses. Note that the most advanced material will not feature on the P235W final examination.

The P235W lecture-notes/textbook covers everything presented in class. It is distributed to ensure accurate transmission of the complicated material taught in P235W and to minimize note taking. The chapters contain more examples and more material than can be presented during class. The additional material is provided to facilitate learning the subject. The notes contain 166 worked examples. The P235 textbook should be sufficient for this course, however, to give you a broader perspective of the material, it is suggested that, in parallel, you browse additional text books that are on reserve for P235W in the Physics Library.

Prior to the start of classes procure a 3-ring binder that will hold 350 sheets. I recommend a 1.5in slant-ring, or D-ring binder, which cost between $6 - $9 at stores like Staples. A 2" standard 3-ring binder is a more cumbersome alternative. The UR Bookstore does not stock slant or D-ring binders. Bring your D-ring binder to Professor Cline's office, (B&L 203D) prior to the start of classes to pick up the lecture notes and insert them into the binder. The loose-leaf lecture notes/textbook are provided free to students registered for P235W. Because of the production costs, only one copy is provided free to each student. It is recommended that you have the appropriate chapters of the lecture notes with you in class to annotate them if you wish; this is more efficient than trying to transcribe detailed notes and equations during class.