Physics III: Vibrations and Waves

Oscillators, normal modes and the wave equation — through sound, light and dispersion.

Syllabus

  1. Lectures

    1. 8.03SC Physics III: Vibrations and Waves Introduction
    2. 1. Periodic Oscillations, Harmonic Oscillators
    3. 2. Damped Free Oscillators
    4. 3. Driven Oscillators, Transient Phenomena, Resonance
    5. 4. Coupled Oscillators, Normal Modes
    6. 5. Beat Phenomena
    7. 6. Driven Oscillators, Resonance
    8. 7. Symmetry, Infinite Number of Coupled Oscillators
    9. 8. Translation Symmetry
    10. 9. Wave Equation, Standing Waves, Fourier Series
    11. 10. Traveling Waves
    12. 11. Sound Waves
    13. 12. Maxwell's Equation, Electromagnetic Waves
    14. 13. Dispersive Medium, Phase Velocity, Group Velocity
    15. 14. Fourier Transform, AM Radio
    16. 15. Uncertainty Principle, 2D Waves
    17. 16. 2D and 3D waves, Snell's Law
    18. 17. Polarization, Polarizer
    19. 18. Wave Plates, Radiation
    20. 19. Waves in Medium
    21. 20. Interference, Soap Bubble
    22. 21. Phased Radar, Single Electron Interference
    23. 22. Diffraction, Resolution
    24. 23. Quantum Waves and Gravitational Waves
    25. Exam Review
    26. Students' Common Misconceptions
    27. Making Time for Individual Questions in a Large Lecture
    28. Using Humor to Enhance Learning
    29. Using Demonstrations in Class
    30. Behind-the-Scenes Demo Prep
    31. Taking a Vote to Engage Learners
    32. Combining Chalk Talks and Slides in a Complementary Way
    33. Using Questionnaires to Customize Course Content
    34. The Role of Recitations
    35. Course Iteration: Incorporating Theoretical Content and Demonstrations
    36. Tips for Physics Educators