In-Depth Notes on Waves and Wave Properties

Waves are movements that transfer energy from one place to another.

Key Terms Related to Waves

  • Displacement: How far a wave is from its resting position.

  • Crest: The highest point of a wave.

  • Trough: The lowest point of a wave.

  • Wavelength (λ): The distance between one crest and the next.

  • Amplitude: The height of the wave from its resting position, showing how much energy it carries.

  • Position: The location measured in meters (m).

Wavelength vs Amplitude

  • Higher Wavelength: Longer distance between crests.

  • Lower Wavelength: Shorter distance between crests.

  • Higher Amplitude: More energy.

  • Lower Amplitude: Less energy.

Types of Waves

  • Longitudinal Waves: The movement of particles is in the same direction as the wave.

  • Transverse Waves: The movement of particles is at a right angle to the direction of the wave.

Wavelength Formula

  • Wavelength (λ):
    λ=Vf\lambda = \frac{V}{f}
    Where:
    V = speed of the wave
    f = frequency

Wave Behavior

  • Interference:

    • Constructive Interference: Two waves combine and make a bigger wave.

    • Destructive Interference: Two waves cancel each other out, making a smaller wave.

Sound Waves

  • Need a Medium: Sound travels through materials like air, water, or solids.

Types of Interaction

  • Absorption: The wave energy is taken in by the material.

  • Reflection: The wave bounces back when it hits something.

  • Transmission: The wave goes through the material.

Light and Color Perception

  • White Light: Made up of many colors.

  • Color Perception: We see colors based on what is reflected back to us.

Example of Light Filtering

  • Green Glass: It absorbs all colors except green,