NOC | Mechanics, Heat, Oscillations and Waves

Course abstract

The nature of physical laws.
The fundamental forces of nature.
Dimensional analysis and scaling.
Scalars and vectors.
Circular motion.
Kinematics versus dynamics. The laws of motion.
Conservation of momentum and energy.
Rotation about a fixed axis. Conservation of angular momentum.
Universal law of gravitation.
Kepler's laws of planetary motion.
Gravitational potential energy.
Elastic behaviour of solids; stress, strain and elastic moduli.
Streamlined flow of fluids.
Heat, temperature and the ideal gas.
Change of state.
Thermal equilibrium and the laws of thermodynamics.
Degrees of freedom and the equipartition of energy.
Undamped and damped simple harmonic motion.
Wave motion; travelling and standing waves.
Superposition of waves.

Course Instructor

Prof. V. Balakrishnan

Prof. V. Balakrishnan is an Indian theoretical physicist who has worked in a number of fields of areas, including particle physics, many-body theory, the mechanical behavior of solids, dynamical systems, stochastic processes, and quantum dynamics. He is an accomplished researcher who has made important contributions to the theory of an elasticity, continuous-time random walks, and recurrences in dynamical systems.

In addition to his research, Balakrishnan is a popular and noted teacher of Physics, known for his engaging teaching style, which combines physical insight, mathematical rigor, and wry wit.

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