Waves

Transverse Waves

Waves where oscillation is perpendicular to the wave direction.

Wavelength

Distance between consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Frequency

Number of oscillations per second in a wave.

Amplitude

Maximum displacement from the rest position in a wave.

Speed

Determined by the properties of the medium through which the wave travels.

Mechanical Waves

Waves that require a medium to travel, such as waves on a string.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves that do not require a medium, including radio waves and visible light.

Radio Waves

Electromagnetic waves with the lowest frequency.

Seismic Waves

Waves generated by earthquakes, including S-waves.

Applications of Transverse Waves

Used in communication, medical imaging, and seismology.

Frequency Equation

Frequency = 1/T

Reflection

The bouncing back of waves when they encounter a barrier.

Refraction

The bending of waves as they enter a different medium.

Interference

The superposition of waves leading to constructive or destructive effects.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves where particle displacement is parallel to the wave direction.

Sound Waves

A type of longitudinal wave that travels through gases, liquids, and solids.

Diffraction

The spreading of waves when they pass through an opening or around obstacles.

Acoustics

The study of sound and its properties.

Wave Equation for Longitudinal Waves

v = fλ (velocity = frequency × wavelength).

Comparison of Waves

Longitudinal waves have particle motion parallel to wave direction, while transverse waves have particle motion perpendicular to wave direction.