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Physics

Course Description:

The waves and their propagation properties in elastic media of 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensions, as well as their standing forms in definite size media, are studied, on the base of the wave equation and the proper boundary conditions. Examples of waves in elastic string, of surface waves, of acoustic and electromagnetic waves are given, concluding with the optics laws. After an introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics and the Schroedinger equation, examples of bound quantum systems and discrete energy spectrum are given and the basic operational principles of Lasers are presented. In the last section, the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented and the Laws of Thermodynamics are formulated, in combination with elementary applications.

  • Semester 2
  • Teaching hours 3
  • Instructors I. Raptis

Prerequisite Knowledge

Mathematical analysis

Course Units

# Title Description Hours
1 Mechanical waves in 1-dimension Mechanical waves in continuous elastic media in one dimension. Wave equation in an elastic string. Transverse and longitudinal waves. Traveling waves: energy propagation, characteristic impedance of elastic media, reflection and transmission of traveling waves at a boundary. Standing waves: normal modes in a continuous elastic medium, Fourier analysis. Wave packets, phase and group velocity, dispersion 12
2 Mechanical waves in 2-dimensions Mechanical waves in two dimensions. Waves in elastic membranes, surface waves in liquids. 4
3 Mechanical waves in 3-dimensions Mechanical waves in three dimensions. Acoustic waves. Electromagnetic Waves. Polarization. Reflection. Refraction. 3
4 Optics Basic laws of optics, geometrical optics. Coherent optical radiation: Interference of coherent sources, Diffraction. 3
5 Introduction to Quantum mechanics Principles of Quantum Mechanics and Schroedinger equation. Bound quantum systems and discrete energy spectrum. Basic operational principles of Lasers. 6
6 Introduction to Thermodynamics Temperature and Heat (Temperature – Thermal equilibrium, Temperature scales. Thermidometry – Phase changes, Heat transfer meachanisms). Thermal Properties of Matter. (State Equations, Kinetic – Molecular model of an Ideal Gas, Molecular velocities, Heat Capacities). First Thermodynamics Law (ΔU=Q-W) and Thermodynamic Transitions. Second Thermodynamics Law and Carnot cycle. Entropy. Applications of Thermodynamics Laws. 11

Learning Objectives

By the completion of the course, the students will be able to:

  1. Treat quantitatively the wave effects of 1-dimension, regarding both traveling (reflection and transmission coefficients) and standing waves (normal modes and Fourier analysis).

  2. Assimilate the common conceptual and formalistic features of wave phenomena through the transition to two and three dimensions as well as the effect of the energy conservation and of the wave-topology to the dependence of the amplitude on the distance to the source.

  3. Correlate the wave and geometric characteristics of light as an electromagnetic wave, with the reflection and refraction processes as well as the phenomena of interference and diffraction.

  4. Understand the need to change the context of the description of the atomic-level phenomena and the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics that lead to the stability of atomic systems and the discrete energy spectrum, with an application on the laser systems and the principle of their operation.

  5. Understand the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and their relationship to the thermal properties of matter.

  6. Use the fundamental laws of thermodynamics for basic thermodynamic calculations.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods Lectures in class. Solving simple examples and problems in the classroom.
Teaching media Blackboard and Powerpoint presentations.
Computer and software use Yes, within the frame of the Exercises
Problems - Applications Yes

Student Assessment

  • Final written exam: 70%
  • Mid-term exam: 15%
  • Assignments (projects, reports): 15%

Textbooks - Bibliography

1)ΦΥΣΙΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΤΑΛΑΝΤΩΣΕΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΤΩΝ ΚΥΜΑΤΩΝ H.J.PAIN ΣΥΜΜΕΤΡΙΑ 1997ΑΘΗΝΑ 45351

2)ΚΥΜΑΤΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΑΛΑΝΤΩΣΕΙΣ K.U.INGARD ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΑΚΕΣ EΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΕΜΠ 2008 ΑΘΗΝΑ 20214

3)ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΑΚΗ ΦΥΣΙΚΗ, ΤΟΜΟΣ Γ΄ H. D. Young R. A. Freedman ΕΚΔΟΣΕΙΣ ΠΑΠΑΖΗΣΗ 2012 ΑΘΗΝΑ

4)Σημειώσεις μαθήματος Ι. Ράπτης, Γ. Κουτσούμπας Ανάρτηση στο mycourses

Lecture Time - Place:

  • Friday, 09:45 – 12:30,
    Rooms:
    • Αμφ. 1/2