8.03SC | Fall 2016 | Undergraduate

Physics III: Vibrations and Waves

Part I: Mechanical Vibrations and Waves

Lecture 5: Beat Phenomena

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Lecture Topics

  • Coupled oscillators
  • Beat phenomena
  • Normal axis

Lecture Video: Beat Phenomena

Prof. Wyslouch shows the solution of two coupled pendula. A very interesting result from the calculation is that beat phenomena could be identified in the motion of the pendula, similar to what one could feel with sound waves.

Lecture Notes

Typed Notes for Lecture 5 (PDF - 1.1MB)

Handwritten Notes for Lecture 5 (PDF - 1.7MB)

Textbook Reading

Chapter 3: Normal Modes (PDF - 1.4MB) 

Problem Set

Problem Set 3 (PDF)

Problem Solving Help Video*

Coupled Oscillators without Damping

In-class Demonstrations

SEE IT IN THE LECTURE
Two Rigid Pendulums Coupled with a Spring and Two Rigid Pendulums Coupled with a Spring
Wave Beats
Coupled Tunning Forks

* Note: This Problem Solving Help video was originally produced as part of a physics course that is no longer available on OCW.

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Fall 2016
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