Physics
&
Astronomy

Fall 2001
Courses

Computational Physics

General Info

Time: Tues/Thurs 10:00 - 11:20
Place: SciBldg 217
Text: Tau Pang's In Introduction to Computational Physics (I think)

What I put in the catalog is

An introduction to using a computer as a tool to do physics, including numerical solutions to differential equations, data analysis, and visualization techniques. Some previous exposure to programming, physics, and calculus is required. Expect to become familiar with a programming language, probably C. Prerequisite: Calculus, some programming, some physics.

But what we actually do will depend somewhat on who takes the course - so come to the intro class to find out. This will be an intermediate level course, though, and so some sophistication in math and physics is required.

Assignments

for Tues Sept 9 ( )
1. Send an email to mahoney@marlboro.edu describing your (a) math, (b) physics, and (c) programming background.
2. Here are a few diagnostic problems to let me know where you are; please give them a try and let me know how they feel.
  1. The equation of motion of a one dimensional mass on a spring is
```
             F = m d^2 x(t) / dt^2 = -k x
```
    where F is the force, m is the mass, k is the spring constant, x(t) is the position and t is the time. (a) What are the MKS units on these various quantities? (b) With values for m and k of your choice, if the masss starts at time t = 0 sec with velocity v = dx/dt = 2.0 m/sec , where is it at time t = 30 sec? (c) Make a plot of this motion using computer software of your choice.
  2. In a language of your choice, write a program to find the first 100 prime numbers. Put the results and code onto your website on akbar, and send me some email about where I should look for it.

Resources

Physics & Astronomy at Marlboro | Jim's Schedule