PHYS 2214 Physics III: Oscillations, Waves and Quantum Physics

Course description

For majors in engineering (including bio-, civil, and environmental engineering), computer and information science, physics, earth and atmospheric science, and other physical and biological sciences who wish to understand the oscillation, wave, and quantum phenomena behind everyday experiences and modern technology including scientific/medical instrumentation. Covers the physics of oscillations and wave phenomena, including driven oscillations and resonance, mechanical waves, sound waves, electromagnetic waves, standing waves, Doppler effect, polarization, wave reflection and transmission, interference, diffraction, geometric optics and optical instruments, wave properties of particles, particles in potential wells, light emission and absorption, and quantum tunneling. With applications to phenomena and measurement technologies in engineering, the physical sciences, and biological sciences. Some familiarity with differential equations, complex representation of sinusoids, and Fourier analysis is desirable but not essential. As with PHYS 1112 and PHYS 2213, pre-class preparation involves reading notes and/or watching videos, and in-class activities focus on problem solving, demonstrations, and applications.

Due to an overlap in content, students will not receive credit for both PHYS 2214 and PHYS 2218.

Prerequisites

PHYS 2213 (or strong performance in PHYS 2208), plus vector calculus at the level of one of the following: MATH 1920, MATH 2220, MATH 2240 or, MATH 2130. Students would benefit from prior exposure to differential equations at the level of MATH 2930. Primarily for: students of Engineering, Physics, and Physical Sciences and related disciplines.