Physics: Waves

Physics: Waves

1. Waves are vibrations that transfer energy from place to place

2. The wavelength of a wave is the distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave

3. The frequency of a wave is the number of waves produced by a source each second

4. In transverse waves, the oscillations are at right angles to the direction of travel and energy transfer

   • Light and other types of electromagnetic radiation are transverse waves

5. In longitudinal waves, the oscillations are along the same direction as the direction of travel and energy transfer

   • Sound waves and waves in a stretched spring are longitudinal waves

6. Diffraction is the spreading out of waves when they pass through a gap