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Physics Fundamentals

Oscillations and Waves

Joaquín Cerdá Boluda, Constanza Rubio Michavila, Pilar Candelas Valiente, M. Ángeles Hernández Fenollosa, and Marcos Giménez Valentín

We will define and analyse the physical magnitudes that allow us to characterise the different types of waves that exist, highlighting the importance of the nature of the physical medium in which the wave is propagating.
Attention will also be paid to the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, analysing: Huygens' principle, phenomena of reflection, refraction, diffraction, superposition and polarisation of waves and the Doppler effect.

What you'll learn

Wave phenomena
Influence of the physical medium on wave propagation
Huygens' principle
Doppler effect
Wave polarisation
Reflection, refraction, diffraction,...

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Develops a solid foundation in wave phenomena, energy aspects, wave phenomena, and other core physics concepts

Introduces wave motion, a fundamental concept in physics, engineering, and other disciplines

Delivered by experienced instructors: Pilar Candelas Valiente, M. Ángeles Hernández Fenollosa, Constanza Rubio Michavila, Marcos Giménez Valentín, and Joaquín Cerdá Boluda

Covers advanced topics like Huygens' principle, Doppler effect, wave polarization, and more

Offers a comprehensive overview of wave phenomena, which is beneficial for students pursuing careers in physics, engineering, and related fields

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Reviews summary

Clear introduction to wave phenomena

According to students, this course provides a solid and comprehensive foundation in the physics of oscillations and waves. Many found the lectures to be clear and well-paced, with the instructor effectively explaining complex topics through visual demonstrations. While some earlier feedback suggested a fast pace or a need for prior knowledge, more recent reviews highlight its effectiveness for building foundational understanding. The practice problems and quizzes are often cited as helpful for reinforcing concepts, culminating in a fair final exam. While some wished for more interactive elements, the high-quality content is consistently praised.

Practice problems and exams effectively reinforce learning.

"The practice problems were challenging yet fair, reinforcing the concepts effectively."

"The final exam was a good test of understanding."

"Quizzes helped check understanding."

Builds a robust understanding of fundamental wave physics.

"Truly a solid foundation for anyone studying physics or engineering."

"Excellent course for building foundational knowledge. I found the modules on Simple Harmonic Motion and wave phenomena particularly well-structured."

"This course helped me solidify my understanding and fill in gaps. The explanations of Huygens' principle and wave polarization were particularly insightful."

Complex physics concepts are explained clearly and accessibly.

"This course provided an incredibly clear and comprehensive introduction to oscillations and waves. The lectures were well-paced, and the professor explained complex topics with such clarity."

"The concepts are explained step-by-step, making it accessible. The focus on the 'why' behind phenomena was great."

"I appreciated the visual demonstrations that made abstract concepts tangible, making explanations very effective."

Some desired more interactive elements or real-world applications.

"The theoretical aspects are very strong... I wished for more interactive elements or perhaps some real-world application examples to keep engagement high."

"While the topics covered are essential, I found the delivery somewhat dry and monotonous. It felt like watching a long lecture without much interaction."

"I needed to supplement with outside resources for deeper understanding."

Some learners found the pace fast, recommending prior knowledge.

"The pacing was very fast and I felt overwhelmed. More detailed examples would have helped significantly."

"Good concise course on waves. It moves quickly through some topics, so you need to be attentive."

"I recommend having a strong pre-calculus or introductory physics background to fully benefit."

"I found it not suitable for beginners as advertised, needing more scaffolding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves with these activities:

Read 'Waves' by Frank Crawford

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Gain a deeper understanding of wave phenomena through an in-depth exploration of the topic.

View Waves on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of 'Waves' by Frank Crawford.
Allocate time for reading and studying the book.
Take notes and highlight important concepts while reading.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your comprehension.

Create a Study Guide

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Improve your comprehension and retention by organizing and summarizing key information from the course.

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Review lecture notes, textbooks, and other course materials.
Identify important concepts, definitions, and formulas related to wave phenomena.
Summarize and organize this information into a concise study guide.

Join a Study Group

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Enhance your learning by engaging in collaborative discussions and problem-solving with peers.

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Identify classmates who are willing to form a study group.
Set regular meeting times and locations.
Establish ground rules for effective collaboration.
Take turns leading discussions, presenting concepts, and solving problems.

Five other activities

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Model Physical Waves

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Demonstrate your understanding of wave phenomena by constructing a physical model of a wave.

Browse courses on Wave Phenomena

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Identify the type of wave you want to model (e.g., water wave, sound wave, electromagnetic wave).
Research the physical properties of the wave, such as its wavelength, frequency, and amplitude.
Gather materials that will allow you to create a physical representation of the wave.
Construct a physical model of the wave based on your research.
Test your model by observing how it interacts with other objects or by using instruments to measure its properties.

Analyze Wave Patterns

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Enhance your understanding of wave patterns by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Wave Phenomena

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Find online tutorials or resources that provide guidance on analyzing wave patterns.
Select a specific type of wave (e.g., sound waves, light waves, water waves) to focus on.
Follow the steps outlined in the tutorials to learn how to identify and interpret wave patterns.
Practice analyzing wave patterns using the techniques you learned.

Solve Wave Problems

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Master the mathematical aspects of wave phenomena by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Wave Phenomena

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Collect practice problems related to wave phenomena from textbooks, online resources, or instructors.
Set aside dedicated time for solving these problems.
Review the concepts and formulas related to wave phenomena before attempting the problems.
Work through the problems step-by-step, showing all your calculations and reasoning.
Check your answers against provided solutions or consult with instructors for feedback.

Build a Wave Simulator

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Deepen your understanding of wave behavior by creating a computer simulation.

Browse courses on Wave Phenomena

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Choose a programming language and software environment for building the simulator.
Design the graphical user interface and input parameters for the simulator.
Write code to implement the mathematical equations that govern wave propagation.
Test the simulator to ensure it accurately simulates wave behavior.
Refine the simulator based on testing results and user feedback.

Contribute to Wave-Related Open Source Projects

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Expand your knowledge and gain practical experience by contributing to open source projects related to wave phenomena.

Browse courses on Wave Phenomena

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Identify open source projects related to wave phenomena, such as wave modeling, simulation, or analysis tools.
Review the project documentation and code to understand the project's goals and technical requirements.
Identify areas where you can contribute based on your skills and interests.
Make contributions to the project, such as submitting bug fixes, implementing new features, or improving documentation.
Collaborate with other contributors and the project maintainers to ensure your contributions meet the project's standards.

Career center

Learners who complete Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Acoustical Engineer

Acoustical Engineers design and develop equipment and systems that manipulate and control sound and vibration. They apply their knowledge and understanding of sound waves to solve problems in many different industries, including architecture, manufacturing, and transportation. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Acoustical Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustical Engineer

Physicist

Physicists study the fundamental laws of nature. They use their knowledge of physics to understand the universe and develop new technologies. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Physics by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Biophysicist

Biophysicists apply the principles of physics to study biological systems. They use their knowledge of physics to understand how cells, tissues, and organs function, and they develop new technologies to diagnose and treat diseases. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Biophysics by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biophysicist

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They apply their knowledge of engineering principles to ensure that infrastructure is safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Civil Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They apply their knowledge of engineering principles to protect the environment and human health. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Environmental Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth. They use their knowledge of physics, geology, and mathematics to understand the Earth's structure, composition, and evolution. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Geophysics by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Architectural Engineer

Architectural Engineers design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They apply their knowledge of engineering principles to ensure that buildings are safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Architectural Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and mechanical systems. They apply their knowledge of engineering principles to ensure that machines are safe, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Mechanical Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists apply the principles of physics to medicine. They use their knowledge of physics to develop new medical technologies and treatments, and to improve the safety and effectiveness of existing ones. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Medical Physics by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design and operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. They apply their knowledge of nuclear physics and engineering to ensure that nuclear facilities are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Nuclear Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Optical Engineer

Optical Engineers design and develop optical systems and devices. They apply their knowledge of optics to create new technologies and products, such as lasers, cameras, and telescopes. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Optical Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems and equipment. They apply their knowledge of electricity, magnetism, and electronics to develop new technologies and products. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Electrical Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and develop new materials for use in a wide variety of applications. They apply their knowledge of physics, chemistry, and engineering to create new materials with improved properties. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Materials Science by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and operate chemical plants and processes. They apply their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to develop new products and processes, and to improve the efficiency of existing ones. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course can help build a foundation for a career in Chemical Engineering by providing a thorough understanding of the principles of wave motion, including the properties of different types of waves, the phenomena that waves can experience when they propagate in space, and the applications of wave physics in various fields.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They apply their knowledge of computer science to create new software products and services. The Physics Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves course may be useful for Software Engineers who are interested in developing software for applications that involve wave propagation or other physical phenomena. The course can provide a foundation for understanding the underlying physics of these applications and developing software that is efficient and accurate.

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Reading list

We've selected 19 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 Fundamentals: Oscillations and Waves.

The Feynman Lectures on Physics, (w/audio)

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Provides a comprehensive overview of physics, and includes a section on waves and oscillations.

Physics Fundamentals

Oscillations and Waves

What you'll learn

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Clear introduction to wave phenomena

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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