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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS1250 Vibrations and Waves (Geophysics)

10 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Alison Voice
Email: a.m.voice@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

A level Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent).

This module is mutually exclusive with

PHYS1210Physics 2- Properties of Matter
PHYS1280Vibrations and Thermal Physics (Joint Honours)

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Vibrations and waves are ubiquitous phenomena, occurring in widely different physical systems, from molecules to musical instruments to tectonic plates. Nevertheless, they can be described by a common mathematical approach.Pre-requisite qualifications: A level Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Objectives

At the end of this module you should be able to:

- describe harmonic vibrations using mathematical formulae
- calculate the properties of vibrating systems
- describe the properties of waves and predict their motion
- derive and utilise the wave equation
- derive and utilise the laws of reflection and refraction
- perform simple calculations on basic optical instruments
- describe and differentiate between diffraction and interference of light.

Learning outcomes
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of common physical laws and principles, and some applications of these principles.
Identify relevant principles and laws when dealing with problems.

Skills outcomes
Problem solving in waves and vibrations


Syllabus

- Geometrical optics: Ray approximation, reflection, refraction, spherical mirrors, lenses, images, combining optical components.
- Oscillators: Simple, damped, driven, coupled.
- Waves on a string: Wave equation; travelling, standing & harmonic waves; superposition; wave power, dispersion.
- Sound: Pressure waves, organ pipes, beats, Doppler effect, shockwaves.
- Wave nature of light: Electromagnetic waves, interference, diffraction, Optical cavities, Fermat's principle, Huygens's principle.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture221.0022.00
Tutorial141.0014.00
Private study hours67.00
Total Contact hours36.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)103.00

Private study

- Reading lecture notes and books
- Solving problems.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Marked weekly problem sheets, in weeks 2 to 10.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Problem SheetWeekly15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)15.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated


Exams
Exam typeExam duration% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)1 hr 30 mins85.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)85.00

Same as PHYS1210

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/03/2018

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