Wavelength

Troughs

The lowest points of a wave, its the vertical height between the wave and the resting point

Crest

The highest points of a wave, representing the maximum vertical height between above the resting point.

Amplitude

The distance from the resting point to the crest or trough of a wave, indicating the wave's energy.

• Amplitude stays the same regardless of the wavelength.

Transverse Waves

Waves in which the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, such as light waves.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, such as sound waves.

Frequency

The number of cycles that occur in one second

More compressed →higher frequency

Less compressed → lower frequency

10 Hz → 10 cycles / per second

1 / T

Period

How many seconds it takes for one waves to pass

time / # cycles

Interference

The phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern.

Constructive interference

happens when two waves both align at their crests or troughs, this means they’re both in phase

Destructive interference

happens when waves meet at a crest and the other at the trough in a phase

Propagation

The way in which a wave travels through a medium or space, characterized by its speed and direction.

Wavelength

The distance a wave travels before it repeats itself ( the distance b/t two identical points on two crests of troughs)

distance (m) / number of cycles x 2

Concave Wall

Makes the wave converge

Convex Wall

Makes the wave diverge

Reflection

Waves hit a barrier and reflect back out changing its direction

• Frequency stays the same

Refraction

occurs when the direction of the wave changes (go through)

Diffraction

occurs when the waves pass through an open barrier that allows them to bend around the barrier - Changes direction & shape

Changes the speed