🌊 Oscillations & Waves — Intermediate#

Scope — Mathematical description of oscillatory motion, wave properties, and superposition effects.

Key concepts#

• Simple harmonic motion (SHM) — ideal oscillation with sinusoidal motion and linear restoring force.
• Wave parameters — wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and wave speed.
• Superposition — overlapping waves add algebraically.

Seed Q&A triads#

• Q: What conditions produce simple harmonic motion?
  A: A restoring force proportional to displacement and directed toward equilibrium.

• Q: How are wave speed, frequency, and wavelength related?
  A: By the relation ( v = f \lambda ).

• Q: What causes interference patterns?
  A: Superposition of waves with different phases producing constructive or destructive interference.

Short exercises#

• Compare SHM of a mass–spring system and a small‑angle pendulum.
• Predict interference outcomes for two waves meeting in phase versus out of phase.