PHYSICS - WAVES - Wave properties

Waves

Transfer energy from 1 point to another without transferring matter

Longitudinal waves

Vibrations that are parallel to the direction of wave travel

E.g. Sound, seismic P-waves

Transverse waves

Vibrations that are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel

E.g. Water, light, and all electromagnetic waves

Wave characteristics

Wavelength, amplitude, frequency, period, wavespeed

Wavelength

Measure in metres (m)

Distance from 1 part of the wave to the amw part of the next wave

Amplitude (A)

Measures in metres

Height of the wave measures from the centre to the crest or trough of the wave.

The greater the amplitude, the greater the energy carried by the wave

higher amplitude = louder sound

Frequency (f)

Measured in hertz (Hz)

Number of waves produced per second

1Hz = 1 wave per second

higher frequency = higher pitch

Period (T)

Measured in seconds (s)

Length of time taken to produce 1 wave

Wave speed (v)

Measured in metres per second (m/s)

Rate at which the wave travels through a medium per second

Oscilate

Swing back and forth with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm

Electromagnetic spectrum

Range of frequencies and wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation

Mechanical waves carry

kinetic or potential energy

Electromagnetic waves carry

Radiant energy

Tranverse waves oscillations

Longitudinal waves oscillations

Wavelength (upside down y) equation

Length / Number of waves

Amplitude equation

1 / t

frequency equation

N (number if waves)/T

wavespeed (v) equation

f x wavelength (upside down y)

time period (T) equation

1/f

Subtance a wave travels through

Medium