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Overview of Waves & Sound

• Topics:

  • Vibration & Waves

  • Wave Properties

  • Wave Speed

  • Types of Waves

  • Wave Interaction with Objects

  • Wave Superposition & Interference

  • Standing Waves

  • Resonance

  • Natural Frequency

  • Source of Sound Waves

  • Intensity & Loudness

  • Doppler Effect

  • Shock Waves

  • Electromagnetic Waves

Vibration & Waves

• Vibration: Oscillation in time (e.g., cell phone on vibrate).

• Wave: Oscillation in space and time (e.g., sound waves).

  • Examples of Waves:

    • Sound waves

    • Electromagnetic waves

    • Ocean waves

    • Earthquake waves

Wave Properties

• Waves can be single pulses or continuous.

• Graphical representation of vibrations results in a sine curve.

Wave Description

• Wavelength (𝜆): Distance of one complete wave.

• Amplitude (A): Maximum displacement from equilibrium.

• Period (T): Time for one cycle.

• Frequency (f): Number of cycles per second (Hz).

• Velocity (v): Distance the wave travels in one second.

Types of Mechanical Waves

• Longitudinal: Medium vibrates parallel to the energy transfer direction.

• Transverse: Medium vibrates perpendicular to the energy transfer direction.

Wave Interaction with Objects

• Reflection: Wave bounces off surfaces.

• Refraction: Wave changes speed and direction across media.

• Absorption: Wave energy is dissipated.

• Transmission: Wave propagates through a medium.

• Diffraction: Wave bends around obstacles.

Wave Superposition & Interference

• Interference: Overlap of waves leading to constructive or destructive outcomes.

  • Constructive interference: Amplitudes add together.

  • Destructive interference: Amplitudes partially or totally cancel out.

Standing Waves

• Formed by interference of waves traveling in opposite directions.

• Condition: Wavelength or frequency as multiples of string length.

Sound Waves

• Longitudinal waves requiring a medium for transmission.

• Speed depends on medium structure and temperature.

• Eardrum vibrates at the frequency of sound waves.

Intensity and Loudness

• Intensity: Power per area (W/m²); related to amplitude squared.

• Loudness: Subjective perception influenced by multiple factors.

The Doppler Effect

• Change in frequency due to relative motion of source and listener.

• Higher pitch as the source approaches; lower pitch as it departs.

Sonic Boom

• Occurs when an object exceeds the speed of sound, creating a shock wave.

Electromagnetic Waves

• Consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

• Speed in a vacuum: c = 3.00 x 10^8 m/s.

Visible Light

• Range: 400 nm to 700 nm.

• Colors perceived based on different wavelengths.

Summary of Key Concepts

• Waves can carry energy; media do not transport energy itself.

• Sound travels through different media with varying speeds.

• The phenomenon of resonance plays a significant role in sound production in musical instruments.