DISTANCE EDUCATION
M.Sc. (Physics) DEGREE EXAMINATION, DECEMBER 2017.
CLASSICAL AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS
(2008 onwards)
Time Three hours Maximum 100 marks
Answer any FIVE questions.
x 20 100)
1. Explain generalized coordinates.
What are conservative and non-conservative
systems?
State and prove D'Alembert's principle.
2. Write down the Hamilton's equations of a system
with 2 2 4
0
2
4
1
2
1
2 w q q
Obtain Hamilton's equation of motion from
variational principles.
Write any five properties of Poisson brackets.
3. State and explain the principle of least action.
Discuss the Kepler's problem.
5. Discuss the Hamilton's -Jacobi's theory.
Obtain an expression for kinetic energy of a rigid
rotator.
6. Explain the principle axes of inertia in a rigid body.

Discuss the small oscillations of CO2 molecule.
7. Explain Euler's angles and equations.
Discuss the problem of the motion of a symmetric
top under the action of gravity.
8. Define phase space and partition function.
What are the properties of ideal Fermi gas?
Find an expression for velocity distribution by
applying Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics.