Math Review for Physics 153 (Relativity and Quantum Mechanics)

Math Review for Physics 153: Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

We will be using some math in this course that all of you have seen but might not yet have mastered. Diagnostic tests will be given periodically to check your understanding, and if a refresher is needed, then you can look at old textbooks or you can use the suggested videos below to help your review.

For the first half of the course, you need to understand hyperbolic trig functions, Taylor series expansions and first order differential equations.

Hyperpolic Trig Functions Video 1 Video 2
Taylor series expansions Ten videos begin here. and nine more here.
First order differential equations

Seven videos start here.

Followed by five more.

For the second half of the course you will need to understand complex numbers, how to represent wave motion, and second order differential equations.

Complex numbers Four introductory videos the complex plane. Adding Multiplying Complex conjugates Absolute value Polar form
Wave motion Introduction Simple Harmonic motion with calculus
Second order differential equations Numerous sections on how to solve them

All videos are from the The Khan Academy.

Last modified August 31, 2016.

Jim Freericks, Professor of Physics, freericks at physics dot georgetown dot edu