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Physics 20: Numerical Methods I

Course Description

  • 6 units (0-6-0)
  • Prerequisites: CS 1 or equivalent experience with computers
  • Offered first, second and third terms
  • Ground rules

Topics covered

  • Introduction to computing and its applications to problems in classical mechanics. Numerical integration, root-finding, minimization, and numerical simulation of differential equations of motion.

Reading and assignments

Assignments and reading lists are posted here. Assignments for non-boldface weeks are in the future and are possibly subject to change.

Please keep an eye on the ph20 blog for other important info and announcements. You are more than welcome to post comments, questions, and corrections. [The blogspot.com website can be slow at times. Please be patient, it won't be long.]

Week of... Reading list Assignment Due date
Sept 28 2009 20.1 20.1: Programming: Lissajous figures and beats Oct 7 2009
Oct 5 2009 20.2 20.2: Basic Numerical Integration Oct 14 2009
Oct 12 2009 20.3 and 20.4 20.3: Numerical Integration of Ordinary Differential Equations, Part I and Part II Oct 28 2009
Oct 26 2009 20.5 and 20.6 20.4: Higher-order ODE methods Nov 11, 2009
Nov 9 2009 20.7 20.5: Three-Body Problem Nov 18 2009
Nov 16 2009 20.8 20.6: Root-finding Nov 25 2009
Nov 23 2009 20.9 20.7: Minimization of functions; Projectile motion with drag, Part I and Part II Dec 4 2009

All assignments are due by 11:59pm on Wednesday unless otherwise specified

Resources

People

Lab Manager: Chris Mach 103-33, x2299 cmach{at}alice
Professor: Tom Prince 290-17, x6605 prince{at}caltech{dot}edu
Teaching Assistant: Jeff Flanigan flanigan{at}caltech{dot}edu
Teaching Assistant: Jeongwan Haah jwhaah{at}caltech.edu

Sections

TBD day TBD time Jeffery Flanigan
TBD day TBD time Jeongwan Haah

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