C.2 Wave Model

Mechanical Waves

A wave that needs a medium to travel through.

 

longitudinal waves

A wave whose particles oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Transverse waves

A wave whose particles oscillate at right angles to the direction of energy transfer.

Amplitude

The distance between the crest (or trough) of a wave and its equilibrium position.

 

Wavelength

The distance between adjacent identical points on a wave, for example, two crests or two compressions.

Time period

The time taken to complete a full cycle.

Compressions

Areas of a longitudinal wave where the particles have a higher density,

Rarefactions

Areas of a longitudinal wave where the particles have a lower density,

Frequency

The rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time or in a given sample.

displacement–distance graph

A particle can ‘move’ up and down the y-axis

Sound waves

mechanical waves
longitudinal waves

Electromagnetic Waves

An oscillation in electric and magnetic fields. Not a mechanical wave and does not need a medium to travel through.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. In order of increasing frequency