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What do waves transfer?
Energy and information but not matter.
Frequency
How many full wavelengths pass a point per second.
Wavelength
The distance between to identical points along a wave.
Amplitude
The distance between the equilibrium position and the peak or trough of a wave.
Period
The time taken for one complete wavelength to pass a point.
Velocity
Distance moved by a wave per unit time.
Longitudinal wave
Vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
Transverse waves
Vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
Longitudinal wave example
Sound waves and seismic P waves
Transverse wave example
Electromagnetic waves, waves on water and seismic S waves.
Wave speed equation
Velocity = frequency x wavelength
Refraction
The changing direction of light as it enters a different medium.
Refraction entering a less dense medium
Moves away from the normal.
Refraction entering a denser medium
Moves towards the normal.
Effects of refraction
Things may appear to be in a different place to where they actually are.
What changes in a wave when entering a different medium?
Wave speed
Velocity equation
Velocity = distance / time
