Mechanical Waves

Amplitude

Amplitude is a measure of the energy carried by a wave. It is the distance from the crest or trough of a transverse wave to the normal position, or the distance from the compression or rarefaction of a compressional wave to the equilibrium position. The greater the amplitude, the greater the energy carried by the wave.

Compressional Wave

A compressional wave, also known as a longitudinal wave or a pressure wave, is a type of wave in which the matter in the medium moves in the same direction as the wave travels. It has dense regions called compressions, where the particles are close together, and less dense regions called rarefactions. Sound waves are examples of compressional waves.

Frequency

Frequency is the number of wavelengths that pass a fixed point each second. It is measured in hertz (Hz). The frequency of a wave is directly proportional to its energy and is inversely proportional to its wavelength. Higher frequency waves have shorter wavelengths and carry more energy, while lower frequency waves have longer wavelengths and carry less energy.L

Law of Reflection

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence of a wave is always equal to the angle of reflection. This applies to all types of waves, including sound waves, water waves, and light waves. Reflection occurs when a wave strikes an object and bounces off it. The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident wave and the normal to the surface, while the angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected wave and the normal.

Light Wave

A light wave is a type of non-mechanical wave that can travel through space. It is produced by vibrations of electric and magnetic fields and transfers energy through oscillations of these fields. Light waves can be characterized by their wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. They travel at a constant speed in a vacuum, known as the speed of light.

Sound Wave

A sound wave is a type of mechanical wave that can only travel through a medium. It is produced by vibrations and transfers energy through compressions and rarefactions in the medium. Sound waves can be characterized by their wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. They travel at a speed determined by the properties of the medium they are traveling through.

Transverse Wave

A transverse wave is a type of wave in which the matter in the medium moves back and forth at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels. It has crests, which are the highest points of the wave, and troughs, which are the lowest points of the wave. Examples of transverse waves include light waves and waves on a string.

Wave

A wave is a repeating movement or disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space. Waves carry energy without transporting matter from place to place. They are produced by vibrations and can travel as long as there is energy to carry. Waves can be classified as mechanical waves, which require a medium to travel, or non-mechanical waves, such as light and radio waves, which can travel through space.

Wave Speed

Wave speed is the speed at which a wave travels through a medium. It is calculated by multiplying the frequency of the wave by its wavelength. Wave speed is determined by the properties of the medium, such as its density and elasticity. In general, waves travel faster in denser and more elastic mediums.

Wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between one point on a wave and the nearest similar point, such as crest to crest, trough to trough, compression to compression, or rarefaction to rarefaction. It is usually represented by the symbol λ (lambda) and is measured in meters. The wavelength of a wave is inversely proportional to its frequency, meaning that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases.

What are some ways in which waves can interact with objects and change direction?

Reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference are different ways in which waves can interact with objects and change direction.

What does the amplitude of a wave represent?

The amplitude of a wave is a measure of its energy.

What do an echo, a shadow, and a reflection have in common?

An echo, a shadow, and a reflection are all examples of wave behavior.

Which type of wave is faster, sound waves or light waves?

Sound waves and light waves have different speeds, with light waves being faster.

What are some features of waves?

Waves have different features, such as crests and troughs in transverse waves, and compressions and rarefactions in compressional waves.

What type of wave can travel through space without a medium?

Light waves, on the other hand, can travel through space without a medium.

How can the speed of a wave be calculated?

The speed of a wave can be calculated by multiplying its frequency by its wavelength.

How does the wavelength of a wave change as the frequency increases?

The wavelength of a wave decreases as the frequency increases.

What can interference be, depending on how the waves combine?

Interference can be either constructive or destructive, depending on how the waves combine.