Mechanics: Vectors, forces, inertial systems, Newton's laws, work, power, energy, circular motion, center of mass, inertia, particle systems and CG motion, linear fluctuations, harmonics, damped oscillations.
Waves: harmonic and spherical waves, wave propagation, mechanical waves, intensity, reflection, standing waves. Electromagnetic waves, polarization, interference, diffraction, lasers, basic geometrical optics.
The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge and skills in applying Newtonian mechanics, wave theory and electrostatics and apply these skills to practical problems. Below is a list of specific goals that students must meet after completing the course:
Newtonian mechanics:
- Apply Newton's three laws of motion for simple mechanical systems.
- Solve simple equations of motion.
- Apply the laws of the kinetic energy and momentum.
- Solve problems with harmonic oscillation with and without damping.
- Draw the forces and moments as well as set up the equations of motion and energy relations for a body.
- Use the equations of motion and energy to determine properties such as velocity and position as a function of time.
Waves:
- Relate to and apply the basic differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
- Relate a real harmonic or spherical wave to its mathematical description.
- Apply basic concepts such as interference, beats, diffraction, standing waves and polarization.
Overall:
- Applying all of the above to solve realistic problems.
- For higher grades: all the above should be applied in diverse areas of wave physics and mechanics. This includes applications that have not been discussed in the course.
- Develop and deepen the student's understanding of basic concepts and methods in science.
- Performing and critically assess the results of some physics experiments and report the results in a well written and concise lab report.