Waves

Waves

1. Waves are vibrations/oscillations that transfer energy from one place to another.

   • Waves do not transfer matter

2. Most waves travel through a medium or matter, however light waves do not

3. Amplitude

   • Length of displacement between equilibrium and peak/dip of wave

4. Frequency

   • The number of waves passing a point per second
   • Measured in Hertz (Hz)

5. Speed = Length of wavetrain/total time

   • Speed = wavelength x frequency

6. Transverse waves

   • Oscillations act in a direction perpendicular to direction of travel
   • Example: Electromagnetic waves (light)
   • If matter is the medium, it must be solid

7. Longitudinal waves

   • Oscillations act parallel to direction of travel
   • Example: Sound

8. Equations

   • Wave period
     • Time taken for one complete wave to pass
     • T = 1/frequency

9. Speed, wavelength and frequency

   • When speed is kept constant...
     • And wavelength doubles...
       • Frequency will halve.

10. Diffraction

    • When waves pass on a edge or through a gap, they spread out in new directions and corners
      • The size of the gap affects how strong the diffraction effect becomes
        • The effect is greatest when the size of the gap is similar to wavelength of the passing waves
      • This can explain blurring of shadow edges (light diffraction) and sound being hear around corners

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