SWINGS AND WAVES
Basic knowledge of trigonometry and mathematical analysis (provided by the courses of Calculus) and mechanics (provided by the course of Point, systems and fluids mechanics). However, no preparatory requests are required.
The exam is oral and is normally based on four questions related to: 1) basic oscillatory phenomena, 2) advanced oscillatory phenomena, 3) basic wave phenomena, 4) advanced wave phenomena.
The answers must consist of a general description of the physical phenomenon and the analytical derivation of formulas that describe the phenomenon from a mathematical point of view. In this way, the acquisition of technical skills and the rigor of the exhibition will be verified. The demonstration of basic knowledge related to questions 1) and 3) is sufficient for passing the exam with a good mark. The way in which the student answers questions 2) and 4) determines an increase in the score up to 30 and praise if the student demonstrates mastery of all the topics, calculation techniques and excellent exhibition skills.
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the fundamental aspects of oscillatory and undulating phenomena. At the end of the course the student must be able to provide a precise mathematical description of these phenomena together with an understanding of their physical meaning.
The learning ability is stimulated through the deepening of particular advanced topics that require the use of techniques such as perturbation calculus and Fourier analysis that will be useful to students during their career.
The autonomy of judgment is expressed in the evaluation of teaching by filling in the prepared questionnaires.
Particular attention will be given to students' acquisition of the ability to exhibit the knowledge acquired through rigorous and precise language.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to describe oscillating and undulating phenomena, simple and complex, with the appropriate mathematical formalism.
The course is equally divided between oscillations (24 h) and waves (24 h)
OSCILLATIONS
Harmonic, free, forced, damped, forced and damped oscillations (8 h)
Paired oscillators (4 h)
Inverted pendulum (4 h)
Parametric oscillations (4 h)
Nonlinear oscillations (4 h)
WAVES
D’Alembert equation, flat waves and spherical waves (2 h)
Monochromatic plane waves, beats, group velocity, dispersion (2 h)
Waves in a solid (2 h)
Waves in a string with fixed ends, Fourier analysis (2 h)
Acoustic (2 h)
Sea waves (2 h)
Interference: Young, Michelson, Mach-Zehnder interferometers (3 h)
Diffraction: Kirchoff integral, single slit, double slit, grating, circular opening, opaque disc (5 h)
Polarisation of light (4 h)
The lessons, in which the theoretical concepts of the course are introduced, are frontal.
The teacher holds the lesson on the blackboard or on the electronic blackboard, introducing the different topics and carrying out calculations and demonstrations.
The teacher receives the students by appointment by writing to franco.prati@uninsubria.it