Objectives.
[1] Understand the concepts of frequency and period, and understand how they are related for any oscillating object. Be able to calculate the frequency and/or period for an oscillating object given sufficient information.
[2] Understand the concept of wavelength, and be able to calculate the wavelength of a wave given sufficient information.
[3] Understand the concepts of amplitude and equilibrium position, and be able to calculate the amplitude of an oscillating object given sufficient information.
[4] Understand the concept of phase, and be able to compare the phases of two different waves. Specifically, be able to describe when two waves are "out of phase" and when they are "in phase".
[5] Understand that waves are unique in that they have both periodicity in space and in time. Be able to explain precisely what this means.
[6] Know what is meant by the term "medium" when applied to waves.
[7] Know how the wavelength, frequency, and speed of a wave are related.
[8] Understand the microscopic mechanism behind the propagation of sound. Be able to explain how this mechanism leads to the transmission of energy without leading to the transmission of the medium itself.
[9] Be able to explain what happens when a wave pulse traveling on a string reflects from a fixed end. Be able to explain what happens when it reflects from a free end.
[10] Understand what is required to produce a standing wave, and be able to describe its appearance.
[11] Understand what is meant by the terms node, antinode, and mode as applied to standing waves.
[12] Be able to draw standing wave patterns for waves on strings when (i) both ends are fixed, (ii) both ends are free, and (iii) when one end is fixed and the other is free. From these patterns and a knowledge of the length of the string, be able to determine the wavelength of any standing wave on the string.
[13] Be able to draw standing wave patterns for waves in pipes when (i) both ends are closed, (ii) both ends are open, and (iii) when one end is closed and the other is open. From these patterns and a knowledge of the length of the pipe, be able to determine the wavelength of any standing wave in the pipe.
[14] Be able to explain what is meant by the term "dispersion".
[15] Know that air is essentially non-dispersive for sound waves and light waves. Know that water and glass are both dispersive for light waves, and know that the longer wavelengths of light travel faster in both water and glass.
[16] Understand the decibel (dB) scale as applied to sound intensity.
[17] Be able to discuss how altering the following properties of a sound or light wave will affect the way it is perceived by a human: amplitude, intensity, wavelength, frequency, phase, vibration recipe.
[18] Be able to explain how the properties listed in Objective [17] above relate to pitch, loudness, timbre, hue, saturation, and brightness.
[19] Know that the speed of a wave may change when it passes from one medium into another, different medium. Realize that this necessarily causes a change in wavelength, but leaves the frequency unaltered. Be able to explain why the frequency is not affected.
[20] Understand what the terms "Octave" and "Fifth" mean when applied to musical intervals. Be able to calculate the difference in frequency between two notes that are separated by an integral number of octaves or fifths.
[21] Know what is meant by the terms Fundamental Mode, Fundamental Frequency, and Harmonic.
[22] Know approximately the range of frequencies that can be heard by humans.
[23] Understand the phenomenon of "beats". Be able to calculate the beat frequency given sufficient information.
[24] Understand and be able to describe the phenomenon of resonance. Be able to calculate the resonant frequencies of strings and pipes, given sufficient information.
[25] Be able to explain what is meant by the term "coherence" when applied to two different waves.
[26] Be able to explain the concepts of constructive and destructive interference. For simple situations, be able to predict where constructive and destructive interference will occur.
[27] During a typical lecture, be able to contrast the energy density of the sound waves in the room with that of the light waves in the room.
[28] Be able to describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves. Know that sound is a longitudinal wave, while light is a transverse wave.
[29] Be able to describe the phenomenon of the "Doppler Effect". Realize that it occurs for all waves, but becomes readily noticeable only for relative speeds that are a significant fraction of the speed of the waves involved.
[30] Understand that the key difference between Laser light and other types of light is that laser light is coherent. Be able to explain specifically what this means.
[31] Understand what "sonic booms" and "optical booms" are, and be able to describe qualitatively how they are created.
[32] Realize that, although light may travel through certain media, it does not need a medium in which to travel.
[33] Know what is meant by the "Electromagnetic Spectrum", and be able to explain qualitatively where the various types of light fall on this spectrum.
[34] Understand what it means to polarize light. Be able to explain why polarization is not possible for a longitudinal wave.