===== Oscillations =====

The Oscillations paradigm explores the dynamics of mechanical and electrical
oscillations. We begin by studying the free, undamped motion of a real
pendulum in one dimension to learn the principles of periodic motion, both
harmonic and anharmonic. Study of the driven oscillator gives insight into the
frequency response and resonance, and is the vehicle to introduce Fourier
series.  Damping is introduced, of course, to model real systems, and Fourier
integrals are introduced near the end of the course as a limiting case of
Fourier series. The course is centered on three laboratory activities (a
physical pendulum, a driven LRC circuit, and a pulsed LRC circuit), supported
by lecture/discussion and guided data analysis activities.  We use complex
numbers throughout the analysis so that students learn this important tool.
([[..:catalog:oscat|more...]])

**Textbook:** 
  - Vibrations and Waves in Physics, 3rd Edition written by Iain G. Main. (M)
  - Classical Mechanics written by John R. Taylor. (T)

**Sample Syllabus**
[[http://www.physics.oregonstate.edu/~tate/COURSES/ph421/|Fall 2011]]




===== Course Contents =====

{{page>..:order:osorder}}


==== Activities Included ====

  * [[activities:courses:osindex|All activities]] for Oscillations
  * [[swbq:courses:osindex|All small whiteboard questions]] for Oscillations\\\\ //(What are [[strategy:smallwhiteboard:|SWBQs]]?)//