PHYS 2218

Last Updated

  • Schedule of Classes - April 17, 2026 7:07PM EDT

PHYS 2218
Physics III: Waves and Thermal Physics

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 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.

Forbidden Overlaps PHYS 2214, PHYS 2218

Enrollment Priority 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 2026SP, 2025FA, 2025SP, 2024FA

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none

  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion.

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  3081 PHYS 2218   LEC 001

  •  
    • MWF
    • Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026

    • Arias, T

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

    For Physics course enrollment help, please see: https://physics.cornell.edu/enrollment-guide.

  •  3082 PHYS 2218   DIS 201

  •  
    • T
    • Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026

    • Arias, T

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  3083 PHYS 2218   DIS 202

  •  
    • W
    • Aug 24 - Dec 7, 2026

    • Arias, T

  • Instruction Mode: In Person