The book describes the features that vibrations and waves of all sorts have in common and includes examples of mechanical, acoustical, and optical manifestations of these phenomena that unite various parts of physics. The main emphasis, however, is on the oscillatory aspects of the electromagnetic field—that is, on the vibrations, waves, radiation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter. This text was developed over a five-year period during which its authors were teaching the subject. It is the culmination of successful editions of class notes and preliminary texts prepared for their one-semester course at MIT designed for sophomores majoring in physics but taken by students from other departments as well. The book describes the features that vibrations and waves of all sorts have in common and includes examples of mechanical, acoustical, and optical manifestations of these phenomena that unite various parts of physics. The main emphasis, however, is on the oscillatory aspects of the electromagnetic field—that is, on the vibrations, waves, radiation, and the interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter. The content is designed primarily for the use of second or third year students of physics who have had a semester of mechanics and a semester of electricity and magnetism. The aim throughout is to provide a mathematically unsophisticated treatment of the subject, but one that stresses modern applications of the principles involved. Descriptions of devices that embody such principles—such as seismometers, magnetrons, thermo-nuclear fusion experimental configurations, and lasers—are introduced at appropriate points in the text to illustrate the theoretical concepts. Many illustrations from astrophysics are also included.

Dealing with vibrations and waves, this text aims to provide understanding of the basic principles and methods of analysing various physical phenomena. The content includes the general properties of propagation, a detailed study of mechanical (elastic and acoustic) and electromagnetic waves, propagation, attenuation, dispersion, reflection, interference and diffraction of waves. It features chapters on the effect of motion of sources and observers (both classical and relativistic), emission of electromagnetic waves, standing and guided waves and a final chapter on de Broglie waves constitutes an introduction to quantum mechanics.

Based on the successful multi-edition book “The Physics of Vibrations and Waves” by John Pain, the authors carry over the simplicity and logic of the approach taken in the original first edition with its focus on the patterns underlying and connecting so many aspects of physical behavior, whilst bringing the subject up-to-date so it is relevant to teaching in the 21st century. The transmission of energy by wave propagation is a key concept that has applications in almost every branch of physics with transmitting mediums essentially acting as a continuum of coupled oscillators. The characterization of these simple oscillators in terms of three parameters related to the storage, exchange, and dissipation of energy forms the basis of this book. The text moves naturally on from a discussion of basic concepts such as damped oscillations, diffraction and interference to more advanced topics such as transmission lines and attenuation, wave guides, diffusion, Fourier series, and electromagnetic waves in dielectrics and conductors. Throughout the text the emphasis on the underlying principles helps readers to develop their physics insight as an aid to problem solving. This book provides undergraduate students of physics and engineering with the mathematical tools required for full mastery of the concepts. With worked examples presented throughout the text, as well as the Problem sets concluding each chapter, this textbook will enable students to develop their skills and measure their understanding of each topic step-by-step. A companion website is also available, which includes solutions to chapter problems and PowerPoint slides. Review of “The Physics of Vibrations and Waves 6e“ This is an excellent textbook, full of interesting material clearly explained and fully worthy of being studied by future contributors ..." Journal of Sound and Vibration

The M.I.T. Introductory Physics Series is the result of a program of careful study, planning, and development that began in 1960. The Education Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (formerly the Science Teaching Center) was established to study the process of instruction, aids thereto, and the learning process itself, with special reference to science teaching at the university level. Generous support from a number of foundations provided the means for assembling and maintaining an experienced staff to co-operate with members of the Institute's Physics Department in the examination, improvement, and development of physics curriculum materials for students planning careers in the sciences. After careful analysis of objectives and the problems involved, preliminary versions of textbooks were prepared, tested through classroom use at M.I.T. and other institutions, re-evaluated, rewritten, and tried again. Only then were the final manuscripts undertaken.