Module Identifier PH02010  
Module Title INTRODUCTION TO OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Mr Barry Henley  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Mr Barry Henley  
Pre-Requisite GCSE Mathermatics and Science or equivalent  
Co-Requisite None  
Mutually Exclusive Not available to students on 3 year BSc (hons) or 4 year MPhys Schemes  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours.  
  Seminars / Tutorials   3 Hours. Tutorial.  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours  80%
Semester Assessment Continuous Assessment: Tests Oscillations week 6 and Waves week 1120%

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

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

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
M. Nelkon and P. Parker Advanced Level Physics Heinenamm Educational 0435686682

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3