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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

Introduction to wave motion Simple Harmonic Motion (S.H.M.) Energy aspects Wave phenomena I Wave phenomena II Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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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Career center

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)