A Spectrum of waves

A Spectrum of waves

1. Wave Properties

   • Amplitude- waves maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position.
   • Wavelength- Distance between 2 successive points on a wave (same displacement and same direction).
   • Frequency- number of waves passing a point each second.
   • Wave speed= frequency x wavelength

2. Getting Messages Across

   • Optical instruments use two or more plane mirrors (periscope).
   • Refraction- speed of the wave decreases as it enters a more dense medium and increases as it enters a less dense medium.
     • Frequency stays the same but Wavelength changes.
   • Size of the receiver depends of the wavelength of radiation.

3. Diffraction Effects

   • Amount of diffraction depends on size of the gap (most occurs when gap is similar size to the wavelength).
   • Diffraction effects are noticeable in telescopes and mircoscopes.