Introduction:

The course aims to introduce the basic concepts required for a mathematical description of oscillations and waves, and to provide expertise for solving the differential equations which arise in simple mathematical models for oscillations and waves.The goal is to develop an understanding of oscillations with particular emphasis on simple harmonic motion, to understand of wave motion and wave interaction

Objectives:

1. Discuss properties of harmonic motion, including period and frequency.
2. Describe simple harmonic motion mathematically including equations for position, velocity and acceleration.
3. Study spring oscillators. Establish the relationship between angular frequency and the physics properties of the spring oscillator.
4. Derive a relationship for total energy stored in a spring oscillator system and describe the transfer of energy between kinetic and potential energies.
5. Study different types of pendulums (torsional, simple and physical). For each of these case studies find an equation for the period as a function of the physical parameters of the pendulum.
6. Study damped simple harmonic motion.
7. Study forced oscillations.
8. Introduce wave types (transverse and longitudinal).
9. Define wave properties (amplitude, wavelength and angular velocity) and the equation for displacement in simple harmonic waves.
10. Define wave speed and particle speed.
11. Consider wave speed in different mediums. Relate wave speed formula to the inertial and elastic properties of a simple medium: an elastic string.
12. Understand wave interactions and apply the Principle of Superposition. Study wave interactions between waves traveling in the same direction as well as waves traveling in opposite directions (standing waves).
13. Learn about waves reflecting off fixed and free ends.
14. Study wave harmonics for waves generated between two fixed ends.

Learning outcomes

After completion of this course, students will
1) Apply knowledge of fluids, thermodynamics, sound waves, and light waves to explain natural physical processes and related technological advances.
2) Use an understanding of calculus along with physical principles to effectively solve problems encountered in everyday life, further study in science, and in the professional world.
3) Design experiments and acquire data in order to explore physical principles, effectively communicate results, and critically evaluate related scientific studies.
4) Assess the contributions of physics to our evolving understanding of global change and sustainability while placing the development of physics in its historical and cultural context.

course content

S.H.M & its applications, Energy consideration in SHM, SHM & uniform circular motion, combinations of Harmonic motion, Damped harmonic oscillator, Forced Oscillation, Driven harmonic oscillator, Resonance, Mechanical Waves, Traveling waves, wave speed , linear wave equation, Power & intensity in wave motion, Principle of superposition, standing waves, Interference of waves, Beats, Doppler effect & its applications, Supersonic and Shock waves, Nature of light , Measurement of speed of light by Roemer’s and Fizeau’s methods , Reflection, Refraction, Huygens’s principle and its applications to reflection and refraction , Fermat’s principle, Conditions for interference, Young’s double slit experiment, Intensity distribution in double slit interference pattern, adding waves using phasor, interference from, thin film, Introduction to diffraction pattern, Single slit diffraction pattern, Intensity in single slit diffraction pattern using phasor, diffraction at circular aperture,  diffraction grating, x-ray Diffraction, Polarization by selective absorption, Reflection, Double Refraction, scattering & optical activity.

 Recommended Books:

 1. Physics Vol. I & II by Resnick, Halliday and Krane 5 Edition, John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York, 2002. th

2. Fundamental of Physics by Halliday, Resnick and Walker, 10  extended Edition, John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York, 2010. th

3. University Physics, 8  Edition by Sears, Zemansky and Young, Addison-Wesley, Reading (MA), USA, 2000.

4. Physics by Alonso and Finn: Addison-Wesley, Reading (M.A), USA, 1999. th

5. Physics for scientist and engineers by Serway and Jewelt, 6  Edition, Thomson Brooks/cole, 2004.  

Assesment criteria

Mid term: 30 marks

sessional: 20 marks

final: 50 marks

Time of class meeting