Vibrations and waves

by Anthony P. French

The M.I.T. Introductory Physics Series is the result of a program of careful study, planning, and development that began in 1960. The Education Research Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (formerly the Science Teaching Center) was established to study the process of instruction, aids thereto, and the learning process itself, with special reference to science teaching at the university level. Generous support from a number of foundations provided the means for assembling and maintaining an experienced staff to co-operate with members of the Institute's Physics Department in the examination, improvement, and development of physics curriculum materials for students planning careers in the sciences. After careful analysis of objectives and the problems involved, preliminary versions of textbooks were prepared, tested through classroom use at M.I.T. and other institutions, re-evaluated, rewritten, and tried again. Only then were the final manuscripts undertaken.

Genres: Physics, Textbooks, Science, Reference, Nonfiction, School

316 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 1971

Reviews

[Darnel Theagene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone interested in classical wave phenomena or is planning on studying quantum waves in the future. Word of caution, it does get very math/trig heavy in certain proofs and there were multiple times where i was expected to know trig identities in order to follow along with the proofs. I do very much appreciate how, starting with a basic knowledge of simple harmonic motion, the book expands on this and eventually leads you to a deep knowledge of wave behavior. It starts with oscillators, then describes coupled oscillators and eventually equations that allow you to describe the motion of a vibrating string and even waves themselves. I recommend to anyone interested in the study of classical wave phenomena.

[Jonathanstray Stray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a textbook of mine. God I loved that course... so useful.

[Adam Lantos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason that I don't give it a 5-star rating is because at a few point it does not go the extra mile to provide a few more details to clarify some things or to give a bit more insight as to WHY some things are like they are(like the analysis of the evanescent waves). But it does mostly provide details and intuition and it is a very good book, although I would have it as a supplement for maybe Crawford's Waves.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it. I actually did.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt it when he described the Huygens-Fresnel principle.

[Hannah Parrott · Rating 5 out of 5]

too good for us mere mortals.
ok but tbh wicked useful for phonetics.

[Naura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helps me understanding my major courses a lot!

[Winston O'Toole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't like it at first. The material jumped from pretty slow and easy into examples which were a bit beyond what I could untangle. But then it turns out I like this? It forces you to think and thinking... is good?

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

The class I took involving this book was lecture notes oriented, using the book only as a supplement. In that capacity, it worked fine.