Properties of Waves

Properties of Waves

1. Transverse Wave

   • The vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of energy travel
   • Examples are:
     • Ripples on Water
     • Light and all other EM waves
     • Waves on strings
     • Slinky that is wingled

2. Longitudinal Wave

   • The vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy travel
   • Examples are:
     • Sounds waves and ultrasound
     • Shock waves (Seismic Waves)
     • A slinky pushes end to end

3. Speed (m/s) = Frequency (Hz) x Wavelength (m)

4. Reflection, Refraction, Diffration

   • Reflection
     • Light hitting uneven surfaces bounces off at angels
     • Light hitting smooth surface bounces of at even angle
     • Angle of Incidence = Angel of Reflection
   • Refraction
     • If a wave meats a different medium heat on it will go in the same direction
       • But if it hits it at an angle it will change direction
     • This can only occur at an angle
   • Diffraction
     • This depends on the size of the gap relative to the wave length
     • The narrower the gap or longer the wavelength the more the waves spread out

5. EM Waves

   • Communication
     • Long wavelength radio waves diffraction around the curve of Earth
     • Short wave length waves reflect of the ionosphere
       • This is an electrically charged layer in the Earth's upper atmosphere
   • Uses of EM Waves:
     • Microwaves are used in satellite communications
     • Infrared waves are used in remote controls
     • Visible light is used in photography

6. Sound Waves

   • Sound waves are longitudinal
   • They require particles to move
     • They cannot travel in space
   • High frequency = Higher pitch
   • Units are normally kHz
   • Amplitude = volume
   • Sound waves can be reflected/refracted
     • In an empty sounds echo (reflect)
     • They can refract when sound waves enter a different medium

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