Math222 Course Outline

(All rights reserved)
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
COLLEGE OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES
SEMESTER 2, 2023/2024 ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Code: Math 222 (Vector Mechanics)
Credits: 3 Hours
Lecture Period(s) and Vanue:
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

13:30 - 15:20 Math Room 19
07:30 - 09:20 FCOS Room 3
Prerequisites: Math 225 (Vectors and Mechanics)
Course Instructor(s):
1. Lecturer: A. L. Mahu (PhD)
Office Location: Department of Mathematics, Room 25
Contact: almahu@ug.edu.gh
2. Teaching Assistant: Full Name
Office Location: Department of Mathematics, Room 04
Contact: Email@ug.edu.gh
Introduction/Subject or Course Overview:
In MATH 225, we covered fundamental concepts and presented a basic model for particle motion.
However, in MATH 222, we extensively modify the force to create a more accurate representation of
particle motion that closely aligns with the physical systems we study.
The principles of mechanics have proven successful in explaining various phenomena observed in the
world. Conservation laws related to energy and momentum offer an additional method for tackling
similar problems. Throughout this course, we will explore both approaches: the concept of force and
the application of conservation laws.
This course will equip you with the essential techniques for solving a wide range of differential equa-
tions. We will place particular emphasis on establishing appropriate models and interpreting the
solutions obtained.
Course Objective/Goals:
Our goal is to develop a conceptual understanding of the core concepts, and an ability to apply the
theoretical framework to describe and predict the motions of bodies.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the course, the student should understand and
1
• Solve any nonhomogeneous linear second-order differential equation with constant coefficients.
• Introduce appropriate coordinates, and set up the model describing a physical problem with
differential equations.
• Solve the model obtained together with initial conditions.
• Take appropriate limits, and interpret results.
Course Content:
1. Introduction to Differential Equation; up to econd order linear inhomogeneous differential equa-

tion with constant coefficients (separable, integrating factor, exact, characteristic polynomials,
method of undertermined coefficients).
2. Particle motion in polar co-ordinates
(a) Linear and angular speed

(b) Angular displacement, speed and acceleration
(c) Relation between linear and angular measures
3. Law of Gravitation
(a) The law of gravitation

(b) Gravitation by a distribution of mass
(c) The principle of equivalence and g
4. Problems in particle dynamics
(a) Rectilinear motion in a force field

(b) Constrained rectilinear motion
(c) Motion through a resisting medium
(d) Projectiles; he initial velocity, Kinematic quantities of projectile motion (acceleration, ve-
locity, displacement), Time of flight or total time of the whole journey, Maximum height of
projectile, Relationship between horizontal range and maximum range (proof), Maximum
distance of projectile, Application of work and energy theorem, Angle of reach, Angle θ
required to hit coordinate (x, y), Trajectory of a projectile with air resistance.
(e) Circular motion: Circular orbit in the inverse square field, the simple pendulum (specialized
to ”the linear theory for small amplitude oscillations”)
5. Linear oscillations
(a) Body on a spring

(b) Classical simple harmonic motion
(c) Damped simple harmonic motion
(d) Driven (forced) motion
(e) Coupled oscillations and normal modes
6. Energy conservation
(a) The energy principle

(b) Energy conservation in rectilinear motion
(c) General features of rectilinear motion
(d) Energy conservation in a conservative field
(e) Energy conservation in constrained motion
7. Variable mass: rocket motion
2
8. Curvilinear Coordinates; polar coordinates, cylindrical coordinates, spherical coordinates.
(a) Example: gravitation by spheres
Class Attendance:
Regular attendance at lectures is vital for academic success and reaping the complete advantages of
the course. University regulations stipulate that students must meet a minimum attendance percent-
age to fulfill course requirements and qualify for final assessments. Failure to meet this criteria can
lead to penalties, including lower grades or potential disqualification from the course.
**Attendance will be taken for every class.
Plagiarism Policy:
Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable and shall be treated as a serious offence. Appropriate sanc-
tions, as stipulated in the Plagiarism Policy, will be applied when students are found to have violated
the Plagiarism policy. The policy is available at http://www.ug.edu.gh/aqau/policies-guidelines. ALL
students are expected to familiarize themselves with the contents of the Policy.
Special Needs:
If you require special support services in the course, please inform the Office of Students with Special
Needs, so that the needed support can be provided to you.
Assessment and Grading:
Quizzes Short questions 30%

Random unannounced
(15 minutes before tuto-
rials)
Mid-Semester: Interim Written Questions 20% TBA
Assessment(IA)
Final Exams Written Questions 50% TBA
NB: Graded Quizzes, Interim Assessements (IA) form part of the continuous assessment.
Recommended Texts:
1. (Required) R. Douglas Gregory, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press 2006. CLICK
HERE TO DOWNLOAD
2. L. Bostock and S. Chandler, Mathematics Mechanics and Probability, Stanley Thornes (Pub-
lishers) Ltd, Wellington Street, England 1989.
3. B. Jefferson and T. Beadsworth, Introducing Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 2000.
4. R. C. Solomon, A Level Mechanics, Fourth Edition, Hillman Printers (Frome) Ltd, Great Britain
1997.
Other Information:
If necessary, you may get a notification from me on SAKAI. Check SAKAI for all official information
about this course.
Course Delivery Schedule:
3
Week Topic
1 Content: 1
2 Content: 2
3 Content: 3
4 Content: 4 [a,b]
5 Content: 4 [c,d,e]
6 Content: 4 [e] & 5 [a]
7 Content: 5 [b, c]
8 Content: 5 [d,e]
9 Content: 6 [a,b]
10 Content: 6 [c,d]
11 Content: 6 [e] & 7
12 Content: 8

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SEMESTER 2, 2023/2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

Lecture Period(s) and Vanue:

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Prerequisites: Math 225 (Vectors and Mechanics)

• Solve the model obtained together with initial conditions.

• Take appropriate limits, and interpret results.

1. Introduction to Differential Equation; up to econd order linear inhomogeneous differential equa-

2. Particle motion in polar co-ordinates

(a) Linear and angular speed

(a) The law of gravitation

4. Problems in particle dynamics

(a) Rectilinear motion in a force field

(a) Body on a spring

(a) The energy principle

7. Variable mass: rocket motion

(a) Example: gravitation by spheres

**Attendance will be taken for every class.

Assessment and Grading:

Quizzes Short questions 30%

3. B. Jefferson and T. Beadsworth, Introducing Mechanics, Oxford University Press, 2000.

Course Delivery Schedule:

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