Problem Solving Videos

Course Info

Instructor

Prof. Wit Busza

Departments

Supplemental Resources

As Taught In

Fall 2012

Level

Undergraduate

Topics

Science
- Physics
  - Classical Mechanics
  - Electromagnetism

Learning Resource Types

Lecture Videos

Problem Sets

Instructor Insights

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These Problem Solving Help Videos provide step-by-step solutions to typical problem solved in an undergraduate course on Vibrations and Waves. Along with each video, Professor Busza has included two sample problems for you to solve. Answers and hints are provided, but not full solutions.

NOTE: These videos were originally produced as part of a physics course that is no longer available on OCW.

About this Video

General discussion of electromagnetic fields produced by moving charges, in particular by charges that accelerate.

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Accelerated Charges Radiating Electromagnetic Waves Problems 1 and 2

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About this Video

In this session, we solve problems involving harmonic oscillators with several degrees of freedom—i.e., several discrete oscillators which are coupled or interconnected to each other. Only systems where damping can be ignored are considered.

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Coupled Oscillators without Damping Problems 1 and 2

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About this Video

In this session we first give advice on how, in general, one approaches the solving of “physics problems.” We then consider three very different oscillating systems, show how in each the equation of motion can be derived and then solve these equations to obtain the motion of the oscillator.

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Driven Harmonic Oscillators Problems 1 and 2

Lecture 3: Driven Oscillators, Transient Phenomena, Resonance

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About this Video

In this session, we show how the properties (wavelength, frequency, amplitude and polarization) of an electromagnetic wave can be determined from the equation that describes the wave and vice versa.

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Electromagnetic Waves in a Vacuum Problems 1 and 2

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About this Video

In this session, we extend the solution of the motion of oscillators with one degree of freedom without damping to the case where damping can no longer be ignored.

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Harmonic Oscillators with Damping Problems 1 and 2

Lecture 3: Driven Oscillators, Transient Phenomena, Resonance

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About this Video

In this final session, we consider the interference of the electromagnetic waves that are produced by more than one charge oscillating sinusoidally. We only consider fields at locations sufficiently far from the charges, where all fields other than the radiated ones can be ignored, and the rays from every charge to the region of interest can be approximated to be parallel.

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Interference of Electromagnetic Waves Problems 1 and 2

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About this Video

In this first session, after a brief introduction, we discuss the role problem-solving plays in the scientific method. We then focus on problems involving simple harmonic motion—i.e., on harmonic oscillators with one degree of freedom in which damping (frictional or drag) forces can be ignored.

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Simple Harmonic Motion Problems 1 and 2

Lecture 1: Periodic Oscillations, Harmonic Oscillators

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About this Video

Continuation of the discussion of systems with infinite number of degrees of freedom, in particular where the oscillators are identical, harmonic, and connected only to their neighbors. In this session, we discuss a situation where the solution of the wave equation can best be described in terms of the superposition of normal modes (a mathematical technique known as Fourier analysis).

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Standing Waves Part I Problems 1 and 2

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About this Video

In this session, we do more standing wave problems. The focus is on the role of boundary conditions at the intersection of two continuous media with different physical characteristics.

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Standing Waves Part II Problems 1 and 2

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About this Video

Discussion of systems with infinite number of degrees of freedom, in particular where the oscillators are identical, harmonic and connected only to their neighbors. Examples include a taut string or a transmission line (two parallel conductors). In this session, we discuss situations where the solution can best be described in terms of traveling or progressive waves or pulses.

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