4/17/2020 Syllabus | Physics I: Classical Mechanics | Physics | MIT OpenCourseWare

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Syllabus
COURSE HOME Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

SYLLABUS Recitations: 2 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

Course Description
CALENDAR
Physics 8.012 is the advanced version of first-year Classical Mechanics. This course covers the same material as 8.01 and 8.01L, but at a faster
pace and in slightly more depth. 8.012 is intended for those students with a strong mathematical background (mastery of single-variable calculus
READINGS and vector algebra) and interest in physics. This course provides the best preparation for upper level courses, in particular 8.03 Physics III and 8.09
Classical Mechanics III.

The main topics in the class are: Vectors, Kinematics, Forces, Motion, Momentum, Energy, Angular Motion, Angular Momentum, Gravity, Planetary
ASSIGNMENTS Motion, Moving Frames, and the Motion of Rigid Bodies.

Required Textbook
EXAMS
Kleppner, Daniel, and Robert J. Kolenkow. An Introduction to Mechanics. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1973. ISBN: 9780070350489.

PROJECTS Problem Sets

Homework problem sets will be assigned weekly. Students are encouraged to freely discuss homework problems with other students. However, you
RELATED RESOURCES must write up your solutions completely on your own. Do not copy solutions from other students. Do not consult solutions from previous years or
from the Web.

Problem sets will be graded on correctness, but all work must be shown. Problems answered with only the correct answer and no work will receive
DOWNLOAD COURSE no credit. Partial credit for showing work without a correct answer will be given at the discretion of the grader.
MATERIALS
Exams

There will be three midterm exams given during the course of the semester. There will also be a comprehensive final exam. No books, notes,
calculators, computers, cell phones, or other study aides are permitted in the exam. You will be provided with a list of helpful equations for each
exam.

Grading

Your grade will be based on weekly homework problem sets, exams (3 midterms and a final), in-class concept tests, and a class project.

ACTIVITIES PERCENTAGES DETAILS

Homework 25% 1 assignment per week

In-lecture concept
5% ~1-2 per lecture
tests

Project 5%

3 exams, each counting

Midterm exams 45%
15%

Final exam 20%

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4/17/2020 Syllabus | Physics I: Classical Mechanics | Physics | MIT OpenCourseWare

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