After Physics I, when do we see classical mechanics again?

[Ascendant78]

I just took Physics I last semester, but I still feel there is so much more to learn about classical mechanics. I could work on 100 different problems involving binary stars, rockets, or rotating objects - but then a slight twist is thrown in on the problems, then something new to have to figure out again.

I spent time working on two different MIT opencourseware courses too, both of which had some differing materials in them (Lewin and scholar versions). However, there was so much material between the two of them, I wasn't able to get through all of it and will not have time for it this coming semester.

I was planning on hitting the Morin Classical Mechanics book over the summer to brush up and improve on my classical mechanics, but I'm wondering when I'll be seeing it again in my coursework? Will we see any of it at all again in Physics II, or is it mostly new formulas for electricity and magnetism? Do we have to keep up with studying the classical mechanics on top of Physics II? With so much to learn, I'm just not sure where to set my limits and when to put time into my other studies like mathematics and computer programming, as I don't know when I'll see classical mechanics again?

 

[WannabeNewton]

You'll see it again without a doubt in a sophomore level classical mechanics class (usually at the level of Taylor) or an honors sophomore level classical mechanics class (i.e. one that focuses a lot more on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics) and possibly again before the end of senior year if your school offers a senior undergraduate/graduate level classical mechanics class (at the level of Goldstein usually) that you choose to take as an elective.

The same goes for electromagnetism. Of course the methods, tools, and concepts you have learned in classical mechanics, and those that you will learn in the future, will show up consistently throughout your physics education regardless of whether you're doing QM, EM, SR, GR, stat mech etc.

 

[D H]

There's a lot more to learn about classical mechanics. If you continue as a physics major you'll see it again in your sophomore or junior year in a class that is devoted to exactly that topic, and then you'll see it yet again as a first year graduate class. Marion is a typical text for the sophomore/junior class, Goldstein for the graduate level class. The canonical name for both classes is of course Classical Mechanics.

If you are majoring in mechanical or civil engineering, you'll see a whole lot more classical mechanics as an undergraduate than that one class you get as a physics major.

 

[Ascendant78]

Good to know, thanks. As far as the major, mine is in physics, leaning towards high-energy astrophysics in particular, but who knows once I get to grad school.

With what you two have said, I think I might ease back a bit on my physics and put a bit more time into the mathematics and programming. I feel like I might have gone a bit overboard with my prioritizing classical mechanics lately.

 

[Matrix0]

I can understand your concerns about feeling like there is always more to learn about classical mechanics. It is a fundamental and complex topic in physics, and it is understandable to feel like there is always more to explore and understand.

In terms of when you will see classical mechanics again in your coursework, it will depend on your specific academic program and curriculum. However, in most undergraduate physics programs, classical mechanics is typically covered in the first year, either in a standalone course or integrated into a general physics course. After that, it may not be explicitly revisited in future courses, but the concepts and principles of classical mechanics will be applied and built upon in other areas of physics, such as electromagnetism and quantum mechanics.

It is always a good idea to review and brush up on fundamental concepts like classical mechanics, especially if you feel like you need more practice and understanding. However, it is also important to balance your studies and not neglect other subjects like mathematics and computer programming. These subjects are also crucial for a career in physics and it is important to have a well-rounded understanding of different areas of science and mathematics.

In terms of setting limits and priorities, it is important to communicate with your professors and advisors to understand the expectations for your coursework and how much time you should be dedicating to each subject. It is also helpful to have a study plan and schedule that allows for regular review and practice of different topics.

In summary, while you may not see classical mechanics explicitly revisited in future courses, the principles and concepts will continue to be applied and built upon in other areas of physics. It is important to balance your studies and prioritize your time, but also continue to review and practice fundamental concepts like classical mechanics to strengthen your understanding and skills in this area.