Science Y9: Waves

Transverse waves

particle direction is perpendicular to direction energy is travelling

e.g. jump rope

Longitudinal/ compression waves

particles of medium travel parallel to direction wave travels

e.g. compression of slinky

Amplitude

the maximum displacement of a wave from its original undisturbed point

Wavelength

physical distance which the waves shape repeats

Period

the time it takes to complete one full cycle of wave

Frequency

the number of complete cycles of waves that pass in a fixed period of time

Velocity

the speed at which the wave travels through a medium, determined by frequency x wavelength

Electromagnetic waves

synchronised electric and magnetic field that travel through space at the speed of light do not require a medium

Sound waves

are longitudinal waves that travels through a medium (air) as mechanical waves

Mechanical waves

disturbances that travel through a medium to transfer energy

The doppler effect

the change in frequency or pitch of a wave perceived by an observer when the source of the wave or observer move e.g. sound waves when a siren goes off

Light waves

Are electromagnetic waves that are measured on the visible spectrum

Refraction

The bending of a wave when it passes from one medium to another due to the wave changing speeds as it enters the new medium

Reflection

Wave strikes a boundary and bounces back to its original medium