Physics Unit 3 Waves Chp 1 Properties of Waves

What are the differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

Mechanical wave	Electromagnetic wave
Sound, seismic, light waves	Light waves, X-rays, radio waves
Need a material medium to propagate	(-)
Can’t pass through vacuum	Can pass through vacuum
Velocity depends on type of wave	Same velocity of  (3 x 10^8) in air or vacuum
Transverse or longitudinal or both	Transverse

OBJQ

Define the terms “wavelength," " amplitude, " " frequency, " and " time period”

Wavelength = Distance of one complete wave or the distance between two consecutive wave crests or troughs

Amplitude = Maximum movement of particles from their resting or equilibrium position

Frequency = Number of waves passing a point per second

Time period = Time it takes for a source to produce a wave

OBJQ

Describe the relationship between time period and frequency.

f=1/T or T=1/f

OBJQ

Define the definition of transverse wave and longitudinal wave.

Transverse wave: Vibration or oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of motion.

Longitudinal wave: Vibration or oscillation is parallel to the direction of the wave.

What are 2 types of seismic waves?

P-wave (primary wave): longitudinal; S-wave (secondary wave): transverse

OBJQ

What is the general equation of a wave and the relation between frequency and wavelength

v=fλ

v=velocity (m/s)

f=frequency (Hz)

λ=wavelength (m)

At the same speed, v/f =λ

Higher frequency→shorter wavelength 

Lower frequency→higher wavelength