Syllabus for physics P105, Spring 2008

• Instructor: Dr. K. Forinash

• Class Meeting: Monday/Wed; 11:00 - 12:15 AM

• Room: PS106

• Texts: Berg and Stork: Principles of Physics of Sound,  3rd edition.

• P105 grades (Ask your instructor for your code letter.)
  

• References (web sites, graphs shown in class, etc.)

• Miscellaneous news items.

• Suggestion box (for comments, suggestions, gripes about the physics program at IUS).

Assignments.

General outline of the course:

We will start out the semester with an investigation of the physical properties of waves. This description is applicable to many types of waves, for example, sound, light and water waves. Once we understand some of the general properties of waves we will begin to look at the application of these technical definitions to an investigation of a certain kind of wave, the sound wave. This will eventually lead us to an investigation of the source of musical sound waves; vibrating objects such as strings on a violin, vibrating air columns in a trumpet or vibrating drum heads. The overall goal of the course is reach a better understanding of the basic physics behind the creation of musical sound.

Grading:

• You will have a ten minute quiz every week which will account for 50% of your grade. These will consist of thought problems not requiring math and will be similar to the questions at the end of the chapter in your text.
• An additional 20% of your grade will be from a take home comprehensive final.
• An additional 20% will be based on homework and in class exercises. Although attendance is not strictly required we will do problems, exercises and or answer questions in class to be turned in during almost every class. You are responsible for turning in these problems whether you attend class or not. Additional problems will be assigned as homework to be done outside of class. You may turn in homework problems one week late and get half credit. You may work with others in the class on homework. Problems on the three tests will consist of problems similar to those assigned as homework or worked as examples in class. You will not pass this course unless you practice solving problems before the test.
• Each student make a present a 10min. presentation during the last week of class, worth 10% of your grade. The topic must be approved of by the instructor and be related to material we cover in the course. Ideas for topics will be provided.
• Scores on exercises and questions will be based on partial credit for using the correct method. Be sure to show all your work in order to get full credit.