Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
PH10210
Module Title
Oscillations and Waves
Academic Year
2013/2014
Co-ordinator
Dr Sian Eleri Pryse
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 Mathematics and Science or equivalent
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 22 Hours - To include Lectures and Workshops
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written examination  80%
Semester Assessment 2 Examples Sheets  20%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of 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.

Aims

This foundation module gives a basic introduction to simple harmonic motion and wave propagation and properties. It prepares students for further study of the topics at Year 1 undergraduate. (CQFW Level 4)

Brief description

This module aims to provide an understanding of simple oscillatory and wave motions. The syllabus considers simple harmonic motion and its application to physical systems. The discussion of waves covers simple mathematical treatment of wave propagation and effects. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills in these areas. An introduction is given to wave phenomena including interference and diffraction.

Content

Oscillations:

Periodic motion: simple harmonic motion (SHM)
Graphical and Mathematical representations of SHM
Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
Simple harmonic motion and circular motion
Introduction to damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance

Waves:

Definitions of wave parameters
Graphical and mathematical representations of waves
Superposition of waves, Doppler effect standing waves, beats
Introduction to light waves: reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarisation
Young's two-slit experiment, diffraction at multiple slits.


Reading List

Essential Reading
Nelkon, Michael. (1987.) Advanced level physics /Michael Nelkon, Philip Parker. 6th ed. Heinemann Educational Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4