Vibrations and Waves

Explore the fundamental principles of vibrations and waves in this comprehensive course from the California Institute of Technology. Delve into topics such as simple harmonic motion, damped and driven oscillators, coupled oscillations, wave propagation, standing waves, Fourier analysis, interference, electromagnetic waves, polarization, diffraction, and dispersion. Through a series of lectures and recitations, gain a deep understanding of these physical phenomena and their applications in various fields of science and engineering. Engage with practical demonstrations and real-world examples to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop problem-solving skills. By the end of this course, master the essential knowledge and analytical techniques necessary to tackle complex problems involving vibrations and waves in physics and related disciplines.

Ph2a Promo: Vibrations and Waves.
Lecture 1 - Simple Harmonic Motion.
Recitation 1 - Why Vibrations and Waves Matter.
Lecture 2 - The Pendulum and the LC Circuit.
Recitation 2 - Simple Harmonic Motion in Action.
Lecture 3 - Damped and Driven Harmonic Oscillator.
Recitation 3 - Damped Harmonic Motion - I.
Lecture 4 - Three Cases of Damped Motion.
Recitation 4 - Damped Harmonic Motion - II.
Lecture 5 - Steady State Motion of a Forced Damped Harmonic Oscillator.
Recitation 5 - Forced Harmonic Motion.
Lecture 6 - Energy and Power Dissipation; Coupled Oscillators.
Recitation 6 - Forced Harmonic Motion in Action.
Lecture 7 - Solving the Coupled Oscillator Equation.
Recitation 7 - Coupled Oscillators.
Lecture 8 - Forced Coupled Oscillation; Traveling Waves.
Recitation 8 - Coupled Oscillations in Action.
Lecture 9 - "The" Wave Equation and a Vibrating String.
Recitation 9 - The Phenomenon of Wave Propagation.
Lecture 10 - Where Things Begin and End Boundary Conditions and Discontinuities.
Recitation 10 - Continuum Normal Modes and Standing Waves.
Lecture 11 - Standing Waves.
Recitation 11 - Fourier Analysis in Action.
Lecture 12 - Fourier Analysis and then More Dimensions.
Recitation 12 - Standing Waves and Boundary Conditions in Two Dimensions.
Lecture 13 - Standing Waves Demonstrated and Analysis of the Circular Drumhead.
Recitation 13 - Interference and Sound Channels.
Lecture 14 - Interference of Waves and Electromagnetic Waves.
Recitation 14 - Interference in Action.
Lecture 15 - Polarization; Huygen’s Principle; Diffraction.
Recitation 15 - Polarization.
Lecture 16 - Double Slits and Circular Apertures.
Recitation - 16 - Introduction to Dispersion of Waves.
Lecture 17 - Fresnel Diffraction, then on to Dispersion.
Recitation 17 - Thanksgiving: A Glimpse into the Heart of Physics.
Lecture 18 - Dispersion Demonstrated.
Recitation 18 - Final Review.
Lecture 19 - The Bandwidth Theorem.