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Waves Basics

Wave:

  • Definition: Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through a medium or space without permanently displacing the medium itself.

  • Types:

    • Mechanical Waves: Require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate. Examples include sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves.

    • Electromagnetic Waves: Can travel through a vacuum (empty space) and do not require a medium. Examples include light waves, radio waves, and X-rays.

  • Medium: The substance through which a mechanical wave travels.

Wave Motion:

  • Longitudinal Waves:

    • Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

    • Example: Sound waves.

  • Transverse Waves:

    • Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

    • Example: Light waves.

Wave Properties:

  • Crest/Trough:

    • Crest: Highest point of a wave.

    • Trough: Lowest point of a wave.

  • Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the rest position of a wave. Indicates the energy of the wave.

  • Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.

  • Frequency (f): Number of wave cycles passing a point per unit time.

  • Period (T): Time taken for one complete wave cycle to pass a point. Inversely related to frequency (T = 1/f).

  • Wave Speed (v): Rate at which a wave travels through a medium. Calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength (v = f x λ).

Relationships and Equations:

  • v = f x λ

  • T=f/1 (Period is inversely proportional to frequency)

  • Inversely Proportional Relationships:

  • Wavelength and Frequency: Longer wavelength, lower frequency, and vice versa.

  • Frequency and Period: Higher frequency, shorter period, and vice versa.

  • Directly Proportional Relationship:

    • Amplitude and Energy: Higher amplitude, more energy.

Real-life Applications:

  • Medical Imaging: Ultrasound and X-rays use wave properties to visualize internal structures.

  • Communication Systems: Radio, microwaves, and light waves are used for long-distance communication.

  • Seismic Studies: Analysis of seismic waves helps in understanding the Earth's interior structure.

SA

Waves Basics

Wave:

  • Definition: Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through a medium or space without permanently displacing the medium itself.

  • Types:

    • Mechanical Waves: Require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate. Examples include sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves.

    • Electromagnetic Waves: Can travel through a vacuum (empty space) and do not require a medium. Examples include light waves, radio waves, and X-rays.

  • Medium: The substance through which a mechanical wave travels.

Wave Motion:

  • Longitudinal Waves:

    • Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

    • Example: Sound waves.

  • Transverse Waves:

    • Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

    • Example: Light waves.

Wave Properties:

  • Crest/Trough:

    • Crest: Highest point of a wave.

    • Trough: Lowest point of a wave.

  • Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the rest position of a wave. Indicates the energy of the wave.

  • Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.

  • Frequency (f): Number of wave cycles passing a point per unit time.

  • Period (T): Time taken for one complete wave cycle to pass a point. Inversely related to frequency (T = 1/f).

  • Wave Speed (v): Rate at which a wave travels through a medium. Calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength (v = f x λ).

Relationships and Equations:

  • v = f x λ

  • T=f/1 (Period is inversely proportional to frequency)

  • Inversely Proportional Relationships:

  • Wavelength and Frequency: Longer wavelength, lower frequency, and vice versa.

  • Frequency and Period: Higher frequency, shorter period, and vice versa.

  • Directly Proportional Relationship:

    • Amplitude and Energy: Higher amplitude, more energy.

Real-life Applications:

  • Medical Imaging: Ultrasound and X-rays use wave properties to visualize internal structures.

  • Communication Systems: Radio, microwaves, and light waves are used for long-distance communication.

  • Seismic Studies: Analysis of seismic waves helps in understanding the Earth's interior structure.

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