Waves (physics)

What is a wave?

waves transmit energy, even ones you cant see

Mechanical wave

A rythmic disturbance that carries energy through mattrr or space (requires a medium)

example of mechanical disturbance

Water waves

sound waves

waves that travel down a rope

springs

Wave pulse

A single bump or disturbance that travels through a medium

Continueous Wave

Generated by multiple disturbances and are sent through a medium

Transverse wave

A wave that vibrates perpendicular to the direction of motion

Example of transverse wave

moving a rope up and down

longitudinal wave

in a coiled spring similar to a slinky. The wave pulses travel parallel

what happens if you squeeze several turns of the coiled spring, then release them

pulses of closely spaced turns will move waves in both directions

surface waves

The waves at the surface of the water, such as in a lake or ocean. Have both longitudinal amd transverse waves

What kind of wave are surface waves

longitudinal and transverse

speed

how fast does a wave move

amplitude

The maximum displacement of the wave from its position of rest, or equilibrium

what is amplitude proportional to?

energy!!

wave fronts

A group of waves traveling together

resonance

the frequency at which an object can be vibrated to allow a standing wave to form

how much energy is requird for a standing wave

very little energy is to be inputted to createa very large amplitude, if thr object is vibrated at its resomance frequency

what conditions are need for a standing wave

equal frequency

equal amplitude

opposite direction

meet boundary conditions

standing wave

when a continuous travelling wave reaches a more dense boundary, there is a reflected pulse that is identical but inverted from the incident wave

does a standing wave transmit energy

No

Reflection

When some of the wabes energy bounces back from tbe boundary into the original medium

Transmission

Some of the waves energy travels through the boundary and into the new medium

whar happens everytime a wave hits a boundary

reflection and transmission

Hard boundaries

fast medium to slow medium. The second medium is the medium that is nore difficult for the wave to travel through

Soft boundaries

Slow medium to fast medium. The second medium is a medium that is easier for the wave to travel in.

Principle of Superposition

States the displacement of a medium caused my 2 or more waves is the algebraic sum of the displacement caused by individual waves

when 2 or more wabes meet its called _______

Interference

destructive interference

2 waves cancel eachither out

Constructive interference

When 2 waves meet and add togegher tk form a greater amplitude

how long is the wavelength when going fast to slow

long

how long is the wavelength when going slow to fast

short

wave front

a group of waves travelling together

when would a wave front diagram be used

to show moving waves

lines show crest

refraction

Transmitted part of the wave behaves differently

speed of wave in the new medium does not behave the same

diffraction

when a wave passes through a narrow opening or asses by a barrier / opening in an attempt to fill the shadow space beyond

is difraaction and refraction related? why?

no, because the medium does not change so the speed remains constant