Physics 332: Computational Physics
Westminster College
Spring 2010
Homework| Due | Reading | Problems | Posted |
| Due | Reading | Problems | Posted |
| Jan. 21 | Chapter 1 | Jan. 20 | |
| Jan. 28 | Chapter 2.1 | 1.2 and 1.4. For each of these problems you should show (with paper and pencil) how to go from the equation you wish to solve to the algebraic equation the computer will iterate. You should also submit an electronic copy of your computer code (C++ or Java) and a paper copy of the graphical comparison of your results with the analytical result. | Jan. 25 |
| Feb. 4 | Chapter 2.2 and 2.3 | 2.1, 2.2, 2.5 For each of these you should include a graph of your results (with proper labels on axes and curves identified) and an electronic version of your program (and detailed instructions on how to run it if it is in java). For 2.2 you should also explain how you approached the problem and how your results support your value for the power. | Jan. 29 |
| Feb. 11 | Chapter 2.4 | 2.6, 2.7 For 2.7 be sure to compare the isothermal and adiabatic models. You should also find the size of the effect of varying ground-level temperatures on range. | Feb. 19 |
| Feb. 18 | Chapter 3.1 and 3.2 | 2.13, 2.17, 2.18 You can choose between simulating the knuckle ball and the side-arm-curve ball in 2.17. | Feb. 19 |
| Feb. 25 | Chapter 3.3 and 3.4 | In problems 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 you
will explore the effectiveness of a few integration techniques for
oscillatory behavior.
For 3.1 and 3.2 it is enough to produce one graph of energy vs time
with both techniques displayed. For 3.3 you should display the
energy vs time using Euler integration with progressively smaller
time steps, each integrated over the same interval of time. In problems 3.6, 3.7, and 3.8 you will explore the behavior of various complications to the SHO. In 3.6 you will need to find the transition between underdamped and overdamped numerically, be sure to explain your approach. In 3.7 you will need to construct an amplitude vs driving frequency plot. It will be inconvienent to do this by hand and also get enough data points for a good graph, so how can you automate collecting the data? In 3.8 you will need to find the frequency for a variety of amplitudes. This is most clearly expressed as a graph of one vs the other but other ways are also reasonable. Make sure that you include your qualitative argument. | Feb. 19 |
| Mar. 4 | Catch-up | 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.15, 3.17 | Feb. 25 |
| Mar. 11 | No Class-Spring Break | ||
| Mar. 18 | Tuesday Class | ||
| Mar. 25 | Chapter 4.1 | Last of straggling homework due. | Mar. 25 |
| Apr. 1 | Chapter 5.1 | 4.3 and 4.6 | Mar. 25 |
| Apr. 8 | Chapter 5.4 | 5.1 you should make your space dense enough that the field is reasonably smooth. | Apr. 1 |
| Apr. 15 | Chapter 7.1 and 7.2 | 5.6 and 5.15 | Apr. 1 |