Waves

Page 1

Transverse Wave: A wave where the medium oscillated perpendicular to the direction - or propagation - of the wave.

Longitudinal Wave: A wave which vibrates parallel to the direction of propagation.

Mechanical Wave: Requires the vibration of a matter to move.

Electromagnetic Wave: Requires the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. (see electromagnetic waves notes)

Above we can see a diagram of a transverse wave (fig 2):

Wavelength / Period (m) : Distance between peaks, distance from the start to the end of a single oscillation. Given the symbol lambda.

Time Period (s): Time taken for one wavelength to pass a point.

Frequency (Hz): Wavelengths passing a point per second.

Amplitude (m): Maximum displacement from the point of zero disturbance.

Wave speed = Frequency x Wavelength