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Physics of Oscillators and Waves

Jason Hafner

This first course serves as an introduction to the physics of waves and light. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe wave propagation and light in the context of both geometrical and physical optics. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. This first course covers the Wave Equation, Normal Modes, Wave Propagation, and Dispersion. Each of the three modules contains complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. This comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus at Rice. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses or more advanced courses in physics.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Oscillators
Waves I
Waves II
Read more
Oscillators and Waves Exam

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Jason Hafner, who are recognized for their work in physics
Covers Oscillators, Waves I, Waves II, and Oscillators and Waves Exam
Develops critical thinking skills in physics
Prerequisites of algebra, vector analysis, and calculus are required

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Career center

Learners who complete Physics of Oscillators and Waves will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physicist
A Physicist studies the fundamental laws of nature. They use a variety of experimental and theoretical techniques to investigate the properties of matter, energy, and space-time. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in physics. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how waves travel through different media.
Materials Scientist
A Materials Scientist studies the structure and properties of materials. They use their knowledge to develop new materials with improved properties, such as strength, durability, and conductivity. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in materials science. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how light interacts with different materials.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems, such as air pollution, water pollution, and waste management. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to develop new technologies and processes to protect the environment. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in environmental engineering. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how pollutants travel through the environment.
Civil Engineer
A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to ensure that these structures are safe and efficient. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in civil engineering. The course also covers normal modes, which are important in understanding how structures vibrate.
Nuclear Engineer
A Nuclear Engineer designs and operates nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to ensure that these facilities are safe and efficient. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in nuclear engineering. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how radiation travels through different media.
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs and builds electrical systems, such as power plants, transmission lines, and electronic devices. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to ensure that these systems are safe and efficient. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in electrical engineering. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how electricity travels through different media.
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs and builds machines and other mechanical systems. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to ensure that these systems are safe and efficient. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in mechanical engineering. The course also covers normal modes, which are important in understanding how machines vibrate.
Geophysicist
A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties and processes. They use a variety of geophysical methods to collect data about the Earth's interior, oceans, and atmosphere. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in geophysics. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how seismic waves travel through the Earth.
Oceanographer
An Oceanographer studies the oceans and their processes. They use a variety of oceanographic methods to collect data about the oceans' physical, chemical, and biological properties. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in oceanography. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how waves travel through the oceans.
Acoustical Engineer
An Acoustical Engineer uses their knowledge of sound and its behavior to design spaces that optimize acoustics. They may also design machinery and other equipment to minimize noise pollution. This course helps build a foundation in wave propagation and dispersion, which are key concepts in acoustics. The course also covers normal modes, which are important in understanding how sound interacts with different types of spaces.
Optical Engineer
An Optical Engineer designs and builds optical systems, such as lasers, telescopes, and microscopes. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering to ensure that these systems are safe and efficient. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in optical engineering. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how light travels through different media.
Biophysicist
A Biophysicist uses the principles of physics to study biological systems. They may research the structure and function of proteins, DNA, and other biomolecules, or they may develop new medical technologies. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in biophysics. The course also covers normal modes, which are important in understanding how biomolecules vibrate.
Medical Physicist
A Medical Physicist uses the principles of physics to develop and apply medical technologies. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure that medical treatments are safe and effective. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in medical physics. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how medical imaging technologies work.
Astronomer
An Astronomer studies the universe beyond Earth, including stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial objects. They use a variety of telescopes and other instruments to collect data about these objects and learn about their properties and behavior. This course helps build a foundation in waves, which are a key component of light. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how light travels through different media.
Chemical Engineer
A Chemical Engineer designs and operates chemical plants and processes. They use their knowledge of chemistry and engineering to develop new products and processes, and to improve the efficiency of existing ones. This course helps build a foundation in waves and oscillations, which are key concepts in chemical engineering. The course also covers dispersion, which is important in understanding how chemicals react with each other.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Physics of Oscillators and Waves.
This textbook provides a thorough treatment of vibrations and waves, covering topics such as simple harmonic motion, wave propagation, and the wave equation. It valuable reference for understanding the concepts covered in this course.
Provides a thorough grounding in the mathematical methods used in physics and engineering, including vector analysis, differential equations, and Fourier analysis. It valuable reference for understanding the mathematical tools used in this course.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of optics, including the wave nature of light. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamental principles of wave propagation.
This comprehensive textbook covers the principles of optics, including the propagation of light, geometrical optics, and physical optics. It provides a valuable reference for understanding the wave nature of light and its applications.
Provides an introduction to nonlinear waves, including topics such as solitons, shock waves, and chaos. It provides a deeper understanding of wave phenomena beyond the linear regime.
This classic textbook provides an in-depth treatment of classical mechanics, including chapters on oscillations and waves. It valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying principles.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to statistical physics, including a chapter on the statistical description of waves.

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