Course title
3100420Q1
Waves and Thermodynamics

 INOUE Yoshiyuki
Middle-level Diploma Policy (mDP)
Program / Major mDP Goals
Mechatronics Course DP-1・3・1 自然科学、情報技術に関する基礎的知識を理解し、利用できる。
Purpose of class
The purpose of this course is to help students understand the basic concepts and laws of waves and thermodynamics and to acquire the ability to apply them to concrete problems. Students are also expected to develop a quantitative understanding of oscillations, wave phenomena, light, heat, and energy conversion from the viewpoint of physics.
Course description
Waves and thermodynamics are fundamental fields of physics and provide the basis for understanding a wide range of physical phenomena in science and engineering. This course covers the basic properties of waves, the wave equation, reflection and refraction, sound waves, and the basic properties of light. It also covers heat and temperature, the kinetic theory of gases, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, heat engines, and the concept of entropy. Through these topics, students learn the basic laws and concepts of wave phenomena and thermodynamics and acquire the ability to apply them to concrete problems. The course is mainly conducted face-to-face, but online participation or on-demand materials may also be used when necessary. In such cases, students will be informed in advance.
Goals and objectives
  1. Students will be able to understand the basic concepts and laws of waves and oscillations and apply them to concrete problems.
  2. Students will be able to understand the wave nature and behavior of light and apply them to concrete problems.
  3. Students will be able to understand the basic concepts and laws of heat and thermodynamics and apply them to concrete problems.
Relationship between 'Goals and Objectives' and 'Course Outcomes'

 Assignments in Class Midterm Examination Final Examination Total.
1. 10% 15% 10% 35%
2. 10% 10% 15% 35%
3. 10% 5% 15% 30%
Total. 30% 30% 40% -
Evaluation method and criteria
Assignments in class 30%, midterm examination 30%, and final examination 40% will be used for the overall evaluation. Assignments in class will be evaluated through short exercises, quizzes, or reports related to each class. The midterm and final examinations will evaluate students’ understanding of the basic concepts covered in class and their ability to solve problems in mechanics appropriately by using those concepts.

A total score of 60% or higher is required to receive credit. A score of 60% means that the student understands the basic contents covered in the course and is able to solve fundamental problems related to the description of particle motion, the formulation and solution of equations of motion, and work and the law of conservation of energy.

In addition, this course is coordinated with the “Learning Support Room.” Depending on the level of understanding, study in the “Learning Support Room” may be required in order to earn credit. Details will be explained in the first class.
Language
Japanese
Class schedule

 Class schedule HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) Amount of Time Required
1. Course guidance
Properties of waves
Basic quantities used to describe waves 		Preparation: Read Section 12.1 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic quantities used to describe waves and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
2. Wave equation
Meaning of the wave equation
Propagation of waves 		Preparation: Read Section 12.2 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic form and meaning of the wave equation and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
3. Reflection of waves
Refraction of waves
Standing waves 		Preparation: Read Sections 12.4-12.5 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic concepts of reflection, refraction, and standing waves and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
4. Natural vibrations of a string
Sound waves
Relationship between oscillation and waves 		Preparation: Read Section 12.6 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic concepts of natural vibrations of a string and sound waves and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
5. Doppler effect
Group velocity
Beats 		Preparation: Read Sections 12.6-12.7 of the textbook.
Review: Solve basic problems on the Doppler effect, group velocity, and beats. 		190minutes
6. Light
Wave nature of light
Basic optical phenomena 		Preparation: Read Chapter 13 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic properties of light and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
7. Heat and temperature
Heat transfer
Temperature and thermal equilibrium
Review for the midterm examination 		Preparation: Read Sections 14.1-14.2 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic concepts of heat, temperature, and heat transfer, and review the contents of Classes 1 to 7 for the midterm examination. 		190minutes
8. Midterm examination
Review of the examination 		Preparation: Study for the examination.
Review: Solve the midterm problems again and organize the parts that were not sufficiently understood. 		190minutes
9. Kinetic theory of gases
Molecular speed of gases
Mean free path 		Preparation: Read Sections 14.3-14.4 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic concepts of the kinetic theory of gases and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
10. First law of thermodynamics
Internal energy
Work and heat 		Preparation: Read Sections 15.1-15.2 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic concepts of the first law of thermodynamics and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
11. Second law of thermodynamics
Irreversible processes
Direction of thermal phenomena 		Preparation: Read Sections 15.2-15.3 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the basic concepts of the second law of thermodynamics and solve basic problems. 		190minutes
12. Heat engines and their efficiency
Carnot cycle
Applications of thermodynamics 		Preparation: Read Section 15.4 of the textbook.
Review: Solve basic problems on heat engines and the Carnot cycle. 		190minutes
13. Principle of entropy increase
Summary of thermodynamics
Review exercises for the final examination 		Preparation: Read Section 15.5 of the textbook.
Review: Organize the contents of Classes 9 to 13 and review for the final examination. 		190minutes
14. Summary of Waves and Thermodynamics
Final examination
Review of the examination 		Preparation: Review the contents of Classes 1 to 13.
Review: Revisit the contents covered in the final examination and organize the basic topics of waves, light, heat, and thermodynamics. 		190minutes
Total. - - 2660minutes
Feedback on exams, assignments, etc.
ways of feedback specific contents about "Other"
Feedback in the class - Questions during class will be handled in the classroom for face-to-face sessions and via Teams for online sessions.
- Feedback outside class will be provided regularly through Teams. Please check Teams notifications when they arrive.
Textbooks and reference materials
Butsurigaku Kiso (Basic Physics), 5th Edition, Yasuo Hara, Gakujutsu Tosho Shuppan, 2,400 yen + tax. Chapters 12 through 15 correspond to the contents of this course. Other relevant reference materials and books will be introduced in class as needed.
Prerequisites
Completion of Mechanics I is desirable. It is also recommended that students review the basics of high school physics and calculus before taking this course.
Office hours and How to contact professors for questions
  • Questions and consultations are accepted at any time by e-mail or via the designated online form.
Regionally-oriented
Non-regionally-oriented course
Development of social and professional independence
  • Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
  • Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
  • Non-social and professional independence development course
Active-learning course
More than one class is interactive
Course by professor with work experience
Work experience Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable
N/A N/A
Education related SDGs:the Sustainable Development Goals
  • 4.QUALITY EDUCATION
  • 9.INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Last modified : Wed Apr 01 04:04:31 JST 2026