L2 - Properties of Mechanical Waves

mechanical waves

Are disturbances that travel through a medium, transferring energy without transferring matter.

medium required

periodic motion

energy transfer

wave speed

Characteristics of Mechanical Waves

transverse waves

The particles in the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

longitudinal wave

The particles in the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

surface waves

A combination of transverse and longitudinal waves. They occur at the interface between two media, like water waves.

compression

The particles in the medium are pushed together.

rarefaction

The particles in the medium are spread apart.

reflection

When a wave encounters a boundary, it bounces back.

refraction

When a wave passes from one medium to another, it changes direction.

diffraction

The bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.

Interference

Occurs when two or more waves overlap, resulting in a combined wave.

constructive interference

Involves the combination of two interfering waves moving towards the same direction.

destructive interference

When two waves with crests and troughs travelling towards opposite directions meet along a medium.