PHYS 2218

PHYS 2218

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

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.

When Offered Fall, Spring.

Permission Note Intended mainly but not exclusively for: prospective majors in Physics, Astronomy, or Engineering Physics.
Prerequisites/Corequisites Corequisite: 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 Forbidden Overlap: due to an overlap in content, students will not receive credit for both PHYS 2214 and PHYS 2218.

Distribution Category (PBS-AS, PHS-AS)

Comments More mathematically sophisticated than PHYS 2214.

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi: none
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion.

  • 3 Credits Stdnt Opt

  •  3673 PHYS 2218   LEC 001

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Required co-enrollment in PHYS 2210. Students unable to enroll in open class components during their pre-enroll window can join the waitlist at www.physics.cornell.edu/waitlist. Students will be placed in available spots prior to the start of classes when possible.

  •  3674 PHYS 2218   DIS 201

    • T Clark Hall 294D
    • Aug 21 - Dec 4, 2023
    • Wittich, P

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  •  3675 PHYS 2218   DIS 202

    • W Clark Hall 294A
    • Aug 21 - Dec 4, 2023
    • Wittich, P

  • Instruction Mode: In Person