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Title: PHE-02, Oscillations and Waves
Institution: Indira Gandhi National Open University, India

Level:
Degree.

Description:
The phenomena we normally observe in nature can be broadly classified into two categories: those concerned with matter and those concerned with waves. Physics courses usually begin with discussion of phenomena dealing with matter-mechanics and properties of matter. Next comes the phenomena of waves. Out of our five senses two deal with the waves - hearing and seeing. Our contact with the external world is mainly through these two senses. Sound and light, though of entirely different nature, have many properties in common. In this course, students will learn about waves in general. This unified approach to wave motion is meant to bring out the underlying similarity between apparently widely differing phenomena. Even our understanding of modern physics, particularly quantum mechanics, depends upon a clear understanding of this course.

Before coming to wave motion it is essential to understand the physics of oscillations of an isolated body as well as of two or more bodies coupled together. This course is therefore divided into two blocks. Block 1 deals with the study of oscillations of isolated as well as coupled systems. The effect of damping and/or an external harmonic force are discussed here. Block 2 deals with wave motion. The vocabulary of wave motion, reflection, transmission and refraction of waves are discussed in detail. Superposition of waves can give rise to beats, stationary waves, interference or diffraction. These have been discussed with particular emphasis on sound waves.

Block 1: Oscillations:
1. Simple harmonic motion
2. Superposition of simple harmonic oscillations
3. Damped harmonic motion
4. Forced oscillations and resonance
5. Coupled oscillations

Block 2: Waves:
6. Wave motion
7. Waves at the boundary of two media
8. Superposition of waves-I
9. Superposition of waves-II.

Assessment is by one assignment (30%) and a final examination (70%).

Programmes for which this course is required or in which it can be included:
Bachelor of Science.


Languages:
English and Hindi

Media and methods employed: Printed text, tutorial support, audio cassettes, study centres, video cassettes.
Contact programme. The audio and video programmes are available at study centres.

Administrative information:
This is a 2 credit course. A credit is approximately 30 hours of study. 60 hours of study will therefore be required on this course.

Classification:
070430 PHYSICS


Date: 25 February 1998 bb
Source: 1997 Institution Update

© 1999 International Centre for Distance Learning, The Open University

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