TFY4345: Classical Mechanics

H 2026
The course discusses classical mechanics introducing the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism. This formalism allows not only a more efficient solution of many dynamical problems, but is also essential for developing quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. In addition, the basics of special relativity is introduced.

Lecturer, time and place:

Michael Kachelrieß, email; office: D5-123
TA/Studass: Åsmund Mjøs (aasmunmj@stud.ntnu.no)
Lectures: Monday 10.15-12.00, KJL2
Lectures: Thursday 12.15-14.00, KJL5
Exercises: Friday 12.15-14.00, EL3 (first session: 28.8.)

Plan of the lectures (preliminary):

Week 34: Overview, Newtonian mechanics and forces (Tong 1, 2.1-2.3.1, 2.5.1, 2.5.3)
Week 35: Green function method, system of particles (Tong 4.1), collisions (Tong 4.2)
Week 36: Lagrangian Mechanics (Tong 7.1-7.4.1, 7.6.2)
Week 37: Rotating frames, see Tong, chapter 6 and JOA's notes self-study week, no lectures
Week 38: Lagrangian Mechanics (Tong 7.4.4, 7.3.1) symmetries (7.5)
Week 39: Two-body problem (Tong 5.3, 5.4, 7.6.1, virial theorem, 5.6)
Week 40: Small oscillations (Tong 8, Brauner 4.3)
Week 41: Small oscillations, rigid body
Week 42: Rigid body
Week 43: Hamiltonian formalism
Week 44: Hamiltonian formalism
Week 45: Hamiltonian formalism, special relativity
Week 46: Special relativity
Week 47: Special relativity, Thursday: Q&A

Pensum

The number of excellent text-books on classical mechanics is large: Check out the library/internet to find book(s) suitable for you. Some recommend ones are
  • D. Tong: Lectures on theoretical physics I, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press 2025 [our basic reference].
  • H. Goldstein, C. Poole and J. Safko: Classical Mechanics Addison-Wesley, 2002 [the standard test book].
  • Lev D. Landau and Evgenij M. Lifshitz: Course of theoretical physics 1 - Mechanics. Pergamon Press Oxford, 1975 [The classics; concise, SR is in vol. 2].
  • I. Brevik Klassisk Mekanikk, Kompendium i faget TEP4145, 2006, pdf.
  • T. Brauner Analytical Mechanics and Field Theory, Lecture notes from UiS, pdf.
The pensum is defined by the content of the lectures. We will follow roughly Tong's book, I'll add some short notes if we deviate strongly.

Additional notes for the lectures

I will add notes for topics not covered by Tong or Brauner: And some notes I had from previous courses

Exercises

Week 35: exercises 1 and solutions.
Week 36: exercises 2 and solutions.
Week 37: exercises 3 and solutions.
Week 38: exercises 4 and solutions.
Week 39: exercises 5 and solutions.
Week 40: exercises 6

Reference group

consists of Cornelia Emilie Fure email, Evie Sandholm email; Helene Fongaard email, and Tereza Strbkova email.

Exam and Marks

The mark for this course will be based on the written final exam which takes place 24.11. in Sluppen.