Jordan University
Faculty of Science
Physics Department
1ST. SEMESTER
2011-2012
0332222 Waves and Vibrations
Providing Department: Physics Department, Faculty of Science
Year: 2
Credit: 1 credit hour
Pre-requisites: 101
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Riyad N. Bitar
Aims: This course includes and not limited to an introduction to vibration and waves. You will:
 Study more advanced mathematical tools is to be learned like exponential series, the notation of
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complex numbers, and partial differentiation and putting trial solutions into differential equations.
Study different media of oscillatory behaviour as ideal systems and practical systems like damped
or forced oscillators.
Study systems like coupled oscillators which leads naturally to transverse and longitudinal waves
are going to be studied.
Be introduced the to the principles for Optical waves, oscillatory mechanical systems,
electromagnetic waves, quantum mechanics, solids and materials..etc.
Course Period:
Duration: 16 weeks in first semester, about 48 hours in total.
Lectures: 30 class lectures, each lecture is one hour and a half each.
Learning Outcomes:
The students will benefit in two major ways from studying vibrations and waves. They
will gain understanding of the basic principles for systems of oscillatory behavior and
their equations of motion. They will also learn much that will be important in his or her
work in the science. Understanding the basic principle will prepare the student to tackle
more advanced subjects in Physics. The hope that all who study the course will agree
after graduation.
Teaching Method:
Interactive teaching will be conducted in this course. Students will be asked to solve assigned
problems on the board. They might prepare lectures on the material of this course. They will be
asked to present a summery of their talk on either transparency or on a data show that is
supposed to last 30 minutes each. Students will be allowed to ask questions on the lecture as
lecture goes on. In addition each student will be asked to prepare 4 different multiple-choice
questions on his lecture to cover his lecture material. Some of these questions might be used for
the final exam.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
All learning outcomes are assessed by midterm test during the semester, course activity, and a
final examination.
Mode of Assessment:
1- Two one hour exams (30%); Course activity (20%); Final 2-hours examination (50%)
Syllabus:
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Simple harmonic equation for different systems (Ideal systems).
Practical systems: damped and forced oscillators
Coupled Oscillator
Transverse and longitudinal oscillation
Tentative Content of Course and Time Table:
Chapters
Week
Subject
1
2
1
3
4.5
2
4.5
7
3
8
11
4
12
114.5
5
Mathematics, Waves, wave equation and solution, The string,
Reflection and transmission.
14.5
16
6
Longitudinal waves (Sound wave), Energy and intensity,
Longitudinal waves in solid.
Useful mathematics, Ideal systems undergoes simple harmonic
motion (SHM), Application of Newton’s 2nd. Law on SHM,
Equations of motion and energy, Superposition of two linear and
normal SHM.
Practical (natural) systems, undergoes Vibration (Damped),
Differential equation and equations of motion, Solutions of different
damping cases.
Practical (natural) systems, undergoes Vibration (forced),
Mechanical and electrical systems, Description of equations of
motion, Power supplied and absorption.
Description of coupled oscillating systems, Equations of motion and
normal mode, Eigenvectors and eigenvalues, Inductance and string.
Attendance Policy:
Lecture attendance is expected. The course notes and the textbook are comprehensive. You are
responsible for the material covered in lectures.
Expected Workload:
On an average, you should expect to spend about 8 hours per week on this course.
Important Dates:
First term exam is expected to cover 1/3 of the material the second term exam is going to be on
the next 1/3 of the material
Final Exam: to be announced by the admission and registration office, please always check!
Feedback:
Concerns or complaints should be expressed in the first instance to the course lecturer. At the
end of the course, the students will be asked to evaluate the content of the course, its teaching,
the learning, and the lecturer. The monitoring of these students feedback will allows the course
quality improvement.
Textbook
The Physics of Vibrations and Waves, H. J. Pain, Jone Wiley and Sons, 6th. Ed.2008
Supporting Material:
Vibration and Waves, A. P. French, W. W. Norton & Company, 1971.
Instructor:
Name
Office Number
Office Phone
E-mail
Office hours
Prof. Dr. Riyad N. Bitar
16
22044
riyadnb@ju.edu.jo
Any time