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  2. Living Physics 16 - Waves in 1D  (V6: This is the latest version.)
Living Physics 16 - Waves in 1D
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Part 6 of 9
Highlights: chapter 16 of an intro physics text for life-science students introducing the basic concepts and mathematics of wave motion in 1D
Abstract: This chapter introduces the physics and math of wave motion through a detailed analysis of transverse waves on an elastic string. Our treatment is highly scaffolded, working first with a discrete model of the string as massive beads connected by massless springs, then making the connection to the 2-variable continuous math.
We begin with a careful analysis of simple pulses considering: (1) the physical mechanism of transferring motion; (2) the math of the propagation; (3) the superposition of pulses; and finally, (4) the sinusoidal wave and the phenomena of beats, standing waves, and spectral analysis.
Resource Types: Student reading, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
Remote Learning Ready: This resource has been designed or adapted for use in remote learning.
Commercially available in:  TopHat
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Math Topics: 
Algebra; Differential Calculus; Exponentials and Logarithms; Graphical Analysis; Trigonometry

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Living Physics 16 - Waves in 1D

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Copyright:   2025 Edward Redish, Ginny Redish

License:   CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.

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