Module Information
Module Identifier
PH02010
Module Title
INTRODUCTION TO OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES
Academic Year
2009/2010
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
None
Mutually Exclusive
Not available to students on 3 year BSc (hons) or 4 year MPhys Schemes
Pre-Requisite
GCSE Mathermatics and Science or equivalent
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
---|---|
Lecture | 20 Hours. |
Seminars / Tutorials | 3 Hours. Tutorial. |
Assessment
Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
---|---|---|
Semester Exam | 2 Hours written examination | 80% |
Semester Assessment | Oscillations week 6 and Waves week 11 Continuous Assessment: Tests | 20% |
Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours written examination | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
- describe simple harmonic motion and answer elementary problems relating to simple harmonic oscillators
- answer simple problems on wave propagation and effects
- give qualitative descriptions of wave phenomena
Brief description
This module aims to provide an understanding of simple oscillatory and wave motions. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills in these areas. The syllabus concentrates on simple harmonic motion and its application to physical systems. The discussion of waves covers simple mathematical treatment of wave propagation and effects. An introduction is given to wave phenomena including diffraction and interference.
Content
Oscillations:
Periodic motion: period and frequency
Simple harmonic motion: velocity, acceleration
Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
Qualitative ideas on damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance (if time allows)
Waves:
Definitions of wave parameters
Graphical and mathematical representations of waves
Superposition of waves, standing waves, Doppler effect, beats
Qualitative descriptions of reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarisation
Introduction to light waves including Young's two-slit experiment
Periodic motion: period and frequency
Simple harmonic motion: velocity, acceleration
Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
Qualitative ideas on damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance (if time allows)
Waves:
Definitions of wave parameters
Graphical and mathematical representations of waves
Superposition of waves, standing waves, Doppler effect, beats
Qualitative descriptions of reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarisation
Introduction to light waves including Young's two-slit experiment
Reading List
Recommended TextM. Nelkon and P. Parker Advanced Level Physics Heinenamm Educational Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 3