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Waves are everywhere! The wave description of physical phenomena is appropriate in fields ranging from communications through oceanography to quantum chemistry and materials physics. It is the starting point of theories that describe the most fundamental physics, and it is pertinent to the most applied disciplines, like optics.
In PH 424, we study waves in one dimension, in both classical and quantum systems. We look at waves in electrical circuits, waves on ropes and the matter waves of quantum mechanics. We introduce the basic language to describe waves, and consider standing and traveling waves, wave packets and dispersion. We find out about energy, reflection and transmission, impedance.
The course includes an integrated laboratory exercise, several computer worksheets, as well as traditional lectures and homework assignments. Both group and individual efforts will be emphasized.
More extensive course information is now available on our wiki
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Last Update 9/24/09, webpage created by Corinne Manogue,
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