Physics - Transverse Waves

Waves , Sound and Light

Transverse wave

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction of motion of the wave OR a succession of transverse pulses.

Wavelength

The distance between two successive points in phase.

Frequency

The number of wave pulses/cycles per second.

Period

The time taken for one complete wave pulse/cycle.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position.

Crest

Highest point on a wave.

Trough

Lowest point on a wave

In phase

Two points in phase are separated by a whole number multiple of complete wavelengths.

Out of phase

Points that are not separated by a whole number multiple of complete wavelengths.

Wave speed

The distance travelled by a point on a wave per unit time

Leading edge

Particles that are moving up

Trailing edge

Particles that are moving down

Period and frequency of a wave are

inversely proportional to each other

wave speed(v) is measured in

meters per second (m.s^-1)

Calculation 1

Wave speed (v) =	Distance travelled by a crest of the wave (d)
	Time (Δt)

Calculation 2

Wave speed (v) =	Wavelength (λ - “lambda”)
	Period (T)

Calculation 3

Wave speed (v) = frequency (f) x wavelength (λ)