In this textbook a combination of standard mathematics and modern numerical methods is used to describe a wide range of natural wave phenomena, such as sound, light and water waves, particularly in specific popular contexts, e.g. colors or the acoustics of musical instruments. It introduces the reader to the basic physical principles that allow the description of the oscillatory motion of matter and classical fields, as well as resulting concepts including interference, diffraction, and coherence. Numerical methods offer new scientific insights and make it possible to handle interesting cases that can’t readily be addressed using analytical mathematics; this holds true not only for problem solving but also for the description of phenomena. Essential physical parameters are brought more into focus, rather than concentrating on the details of which mathematical trick should be used to obtain a certain solution. Readers will learn how time-resolved frequency analysis offers a deeper understanding of the interplay between frequency and time, which is relevant to many phenomena involving oscillations and waves. Attention is also drawn to common misconceptions resulting from uncritical use of the Fourier transform. The book offers an ideal guide for upper-level undergraduate physics students and will also benefit physics instructors. Program codes in Matlab and Python, together with interesting files for use in the problems, are provided as free supplementary material.

This lively textbook differs from others on the subject by its usefulness as a conceptual and mathematical preparation for the study of quantum mechanics, by its emphasis on a variety of learning tools aimed at fostering the student's self-awareness of learning, and by its frequent connections to current research.

Except for digressions in Chapters 8 and 17, this book is a highly unified treatment of simple oscillations and waves. The phenomena treated are "simple" in that they are de scribable by linear equations, almost all occur in one dimension, and the dependent variables are scalars instead of vectors or something else (such as electromagnetic waves) with geometric complications. The book omits such complicated cases in order to deal thoroughly with properties shared by all linear os cillations and waves. The first seven chapters are a sequential treatment of electrical and mechanical oscillating systems, starting with the simplest and proceeding to systems of coupled oscillators subjected to ar bitrary driving forces. Then, after a brief discussion of nonlinear oscillations in Chapter 8, the concept of normal modes of motion is introduced and used to show the relationship between os cillations and waves. After Chapter 12, properties of waves are explored by whatever mathematical techniques are applicable. The book ends with a short discussion of three-dimensional vii viii Preface problems (in Chapter 16), and a study of a few aspects of non linear waves (in Chapter 17).

Emphasizing physics over mathematics, this popular, classroom-tested text helps advanced undergraduates acquire a sound physical understanding of wave phenomena. This second edition of Oscillations and Waves: An Introduction contains new widgets, animations in Python, and exercises, as well as updated chapter content throughout; continuing to ease the difficult transition for students between lower-division courses that mostly encompass algebraic equations and upper-division courses that rely on differential equations. Assuming familiarity with the laws of physics and college-level mathematics, the author covers aspects of optics that crucially depend on the wave-like nature of light, such as wave optics. Examples explore discrete mechanical, optical, and quantum mechanical systems; continuous gases, fluids, and elastic solids; electronic circuits; and electromagnetic waves. The text also introduces the conventional complex representation of oscillations and waves during the discussion of quantum mechanical waves. Features: Fully updated throughout and featuring new widgets, animations, and end of chapter exercises to enhance understanding Offers complete coverage of advanced topics in waves, such as electromagnetic wave propagation through the ionosphere Includes examples from mechanical systems, elastic solids, electronic circuits, optical systems, and other areas

The involved mathematical steps have been worked out and alternative approaches have been discussed, wherever possible, to equip students with extra skills. Organized in two parts Part I (Oscillations) and Part II (Waves) the book is structured in such a way that the students participate actively as they proceed and get ample opportunities to develop problem solving skills. More than one hundred problems numerical and reason based questions with graded difficulty levels have been included as Practice Exercises and Review Exercises in each chapter. Moreover, Solved Examples have been interspersed in the text to facilitate clear understanding of the concepts involved in each section.

This is a complete introduction to the theory of waves and oscillations as encountered by physics and engineering students. It discusses both the mathematical theory and the physics of phenomena such as waves in fluids, electromagnetic waves, and discrete coupled oscillators in mechanics and electronics. The author gives a description of the mathematics of complex amplitudes and introduces forced and free oscillations and normal modes of resonance. Chapters cover wave guides, barrier penetration, and electromagnetic transmission. One section, devoted solely to surface waves, includes a discussion on light scattering and the determination of surface tension and viscosity, plasma oscillations, and feedback oscillations. Ideas and equations are displayed for easy reference, and sets of exercises follow each chapter.