Wave Characteristics, Parameters and Behaviours

Wave Characteristics, Parameters and Behaviours

1. Waves transfer energy

2. Transverse wave: When the particles within the medium move perpendicular to the direction of travel and hence the energy transfer.

   • e.g. water wave, EM Spectrum waves
   • CAN travel through a vacuum

3. Longitudinal wave: When the particles within the medium move parallel to the direction of travel and hence energy transfer.

   • e.g. sound wave
   • CANNOT travel through a vacuum

4. ·

   • Amplitude is a measure of the amount of energy that the wave transfers.
   • Frequency of a wave is the number of waves to pass a point in 1 second (crest-crest) (trough-trough)
     • The frequency of a wave is determined by the source that produces the wave.
   • Period is the time taken for one complete wave to pass a point.

5. In a given medium, the speed of a wave is constant.

6. Diffraction is the bending of waves when they encounter an obstacle.

   • The amount of diffraction depends on the gap width and wavelength of a wave
     • Short wavelength = Little diffraction
     • Long wavelength = more diffraction
   • Living near hills will affect things like how good radio signal.

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