Wave Characteristics

Wave Characteristics

1. Peak/Crest: highest point of a wave

   • Through: lowest point of a wave
     • Amplitude: extent of a vibration measured from the position of equilibrium
       • Wavelength: distance between crest-crest or through
         • Frequency: is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time

2. Components of a Wave:

3. Wave interference

   • Constructive
     • Destructive
       • Occurs when the maxim a of 2 waves are 180 degrees out of a phase: a positive displacement of one wave is cancelled by a negative displacement
     • Occurs when maxima of two waves adds together and the amplitude is the resulting wave equal to the sum of both

4. Formulas:

   • Energy wave
     • Total energy is proportional to amplitude squared
   • Wave speed
     • Wave speed is equal to wavelength divided by time period

5. Types of Waves:

   • Pulse
   • Periodic
   • Transversal
     • Sources move up and down
   • Longitudinal
     • Sources move left and right
     • Compression, rarefaction
   • Waves are the transfer of energy through space

6. Mechanical & Electromagnetic Waves

   • Mechanical
     • Requires a medium to transport energy
       • Medium can be: solid, liquid, gas
         • Three types: transverse, longitudinal, surface waves
           • Speed depends on medium and type of wave
   • Electromagnetic
     • Does not require a medium
       • Usually transverse
         • EX: radio waves, visible light, x-rays
   • Medium=material substance

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