PHYS 2218

Physics III: Waves and Thermal Physics

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This course is divided into two parts. The larger segment of the course typically focuses on wave phenomena. Topics include: coupled harmonic oscillators, strings, sound and light waves, superposition principle, wave equations, Fourier series and transforms, diffraction and interference. The discussion is at the level of The Physics of Waves by Georgi. The second segment of the course covers thermodynamics and statistical mechanics at the level of Thermal Physics by Schroeder.

Corequisites PHYS 2210 must be taken to remain enrolled in PHYS 2218. Prerequisite: PHYS 2217 or very strong performance in PHYS 2213. Students would benefit from prior exposure to differential equations at the level of MATH 2930 or from concurrent enrollment in that course. Some linear algebra may be used, either prior or concurrent enrollment in linear algebra is recommended (MATH 2940, MATH 2210, or MATH 2230).

Forbidden Overlaps PHYS 2214, PHYS 2218

Enrollment Information Intended mainly but not exclusively for: prospective majors in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering Physics.

Distribution Requirements (CHPH-AG, OPHLS-AG), (PHS-AS)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2025SP, 2024FA, 2024SP

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