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Re: [Phys-l] Electromagnetic waves

Regarding John D's last two paragraphs (repeated below);

I'm reminded of a short classical mechanics text that I particularly like, by Baierlein.
Each chapter has a pithy little quote at the beginning. Chapter II is on The Harmonic Oscillator. The quote that goes with the start of this chapter is:

"You can do everything with a bayonet except sit on it." Napoleon



I read a lot of military history, so I particularly enjoy the quote and its juxtaposition with the harmonic oscillator, finding it oh so apropos to the topic.

Joel

_________________________

Joel Rauber, Ph.D 
Professor and Head of Physics
Department of Physics
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007
Joel.Rauber@sdstate.edu
605.688.5428 (w)
605.688.5878 (fax)


========================

One last pedagogical remark: Some students in the introductory
course are always asking, why do we spend so much time on the
harmonic oscillator? Who cares?

Don't forget to mention that they will be seeing this over and
over again. Mechanics, electronics, music, quantum field theory,
and everything in between.
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