Physics of Sound 301
Spring 2009

Course Supervisor and Lecturer: Prof. Frank Zimmermann, Nanophysics Laboratory (NPL Building) 204, Tel: (732)445-3153, e-mail: fmz at physics dot rutgers dot edu

Laboratory Instructor and Homework grader: Amitpal Tagore, email:  tagoreas at physics.rutgers.edu

Textbook: The Science of Sound, 3rd Edition, by T.D. Rossing, F.R. Moore, & P.A. Wheeler (required) available from the bookstore. One copy is also available at the Math and Science Learning Center (MSLC, 3rd floor ARC).

Syllabus:

• Basic principles of sound
• Vibrating systems, normal modes
• Waves (wave equation, interference, diffraction, refraction, reflection, Doppler effect)
• Standing waves and overtones
• Resonance
• Beats, Complex waves, Spectrum analysis
• Sound pressure, intensity, and loudness
• Human ear and voice
• Sound production and detection
• Room and auditorium acoustics
• Special topics (as time allows): Musical instruments, Underwater acoustics, Ultrasound, Atmospheric Infrasound

Format: The course consists of 2 lectures and 1 laboratory session each week.

• Lectures: Mondays and Wednesdays 1:55 PM - 2:50 PM, Physics Lecture Hall, Busch Campus.

• Laboratory: Fridays 10:20 AM - 11:40 AM, Physics and Astronomy Building, Busch Campus, in room 232. The lab schedule web page gives information on the lab experiments, including downloadable write-ups and report forms. Labs will need to be completed in class and handed in before you leave. Be sure to print out a copy of the write-up and report form beforehand, read it, and come to lab prepared!

• Exams: There will be two exams. Midterm exam: Wednesday, March 11 (in class); Final exam  May 12, 12:00 - 3:00 PM, Physics Lecture Hall. You will be allowed to bring a 8 x 11 inch formula sheet (both sides) with whatever information you choose to each exam, in addition to a hand held calculator. The final exam will be cumulative.

• Homework: Weekly homework assignments will be posted on the homework webpage on Mondays, and will be due at the beginning of lecture on the following Monday. They will typically consist of 5 short problems or questions, and solutions will be posted out after the homework is collected. No late homework will be accepted.

Grading and Assessment: Final grades will be based on the following elements

• Class attendance and participation
• In class mid-term exam --- nominally 25%
• Final Exam --- nominally 25%
• Weekly homework assignments --- nominally 25%
• Lab reports --- nominally 25%

You may check your scores here.

Announcements: Special announcements will be posted on the web. The home page for the course is http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ugrad/301/index.html

Office Hours:

• Frank Zimmermann: By appointment.
• Amitpal Tagore: TBA

Prerequisites:

Two terms of introductory physics and two terms of calculus. Primarily for science majors.

• Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability, you are urged to speak to the course supervisor early in the semester to make the necessary arrangements to support a successful learning experience. Also, you must arrange for the course supervisor to receive a letter from your College's Disability Concerns Coordinator verifying that you have a disability. To find out how to do this, contact http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ugrad/disabilities.html