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PHY203Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Oscillations and Waves

This course introduces the fundamental principles of oscillations and waves. It begins with an exploration of simple harmonic motion, covering concepts such as superposition, damping, and forced oscillations. The course then transitions to wave motion, examining wave propagation, reflection, transmission, and superposition. Special emphasis is placed on sound waves and their behavior in various media, providing a foundation for understanding more advanced physics concepts.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
OscillationsWavesHarmonic MotionSuperpositionResonance

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Simple Harmonic Motion

2

Superposition of Oscillations

3

Damped Harmonic Motion

4

Forced Oscillations

5

Wave Motion

6

Interference

7

Diffraction

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Physics

Calculus I

Calculus II

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Acoustic Engineer

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Seismic Analyst

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Telecommunications Engineer

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Medical Imaging Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Aerospace Engineer

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsMedical ImagingAerospaceCivil EngineeringMusic and Acoustics

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Oscillations

5h

Unit 1: Simple Harmonic Motion

5 study hours
  • •Define simple harmonic motion and its characteristics.
  • •Solve differential equations for SHM.
  • •Compute potential, kinetic, and total energies in SHM systems.
Week
2

Module 1: Oscillations

5h

Unit 2: Superposition of Harmonic Oscillations

5 study hours
  • •Apply the principle of superposition to harmonic oscillations.
  • •Analyze collinear oscillations with same and different frequencies.
  • •Explore oscillations in two dimensions.
Week
3

Module 1: Oscillations

5h

Unit 3: Damped Harmonic Motion

5 study hours
  • •Establish and solve the differential equation for damped harmonic motion.
  • •Analyze the effects of damping on amplitude, energy, and period.
  • •Differentiate between weakly, critically, and heavily damped systems.
Week
4

Module 1: Oscillations

5h

Unit 4: Forced Oscillations and Resonance

5 study hours
  • •Establish the differential equation for a forced oscillator.
  • •Analyze the oscillator's response at different driving frequencies.
  • •Compute resonance width and quality factor.
Week
5

Module 1: Oscillations

5h

Unit 5: Coupled Oscillations

5 study hours
  • •Describe the effect of coupling on oscillations.
  • •Establish equations of motion for coupled systems.
  • •Analyze motion in terms of normal modes.
Week
6

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 6: Wave Motion

5 study hours
  • •Define wave motion and its characteristics.
  • •Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse waves.
  • •Relate wavelength, frequency, and speed.
Week
7

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 6: Wave Motion

5 study hours
  • •Establish wave equations for longitudinal and transverse waves.
  • •Compute energy transported by a progressive wave.
  • •Derive expressions for wave velocities.
Week
8

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 7: Waves at The Boundary of Two Media

5 study hours
  • •Define wavefronts and apply Huygens' construction.
  • •Explain reflection and refraction of waves.
  • •Compute reflection and transmission amplitude coefficients.
Week
9

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 7: Waves at The Boundary of Two Media

5 study hours
  • •Compute reflection and transmission energy coefficients.
  • •Explain the Doppler effect.
  • •Describe the formation of shock waves.
Week
10

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 8: Superposition of Waves-I

5 study hours
  • •State the principle of superposition of waves.
  • •Explain the formation of stationary waves.
  • •Identify nodes and antinodes.
Week
11

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 8: Superposition of Waves-I

5 study hours
  • •Describe the formation of wave groups.
  • •Compute group velocity.
  • •Explain the formation of beats.
Week
12

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 9: Superposition of Waves- II

5 study hours
  • •Explain the phenomenon of interference.
  • •Describe coherent sources.
  • •Analyze interference patterns from two slits.
Week
13

Module 2: Waves

5h

Unit 9: Superposition of Waves- II

5 study hours
  • •Explain the phenomenon of diffraction.
  • •Differentiate between Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction.
  • •Analyze Fraunhofer diffraction by a single slit.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 1-5 oscillation concepts

2

Practice solving differential equations from Units 3 and 4 weekly

3

Review all SAQs and TQs from Modules 1 and 2

4

Focus on understanding wave properties in different media (Unit 6)

5

Practice applying Huygens' principle to reflection and refraction (Unit 7)

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