features of waves

features of waves

1. energy transfer and waves

   • waves are vibrations that transfer energy from place to place
     • without matter (solid, liquid or gas) being transferred

2. wave features

   • amplitude
     • maximum disturbance from its undisturbed position.
   • wavelength
     • distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave
   • frequency
     • number of waves produced by a source each second
     • number of waves that pass a retain point each second
     • unit of frequency is the hertz (Hz)
   • period
     • time taken for one wave to be produced.
     • period is measured in seconds

3. diffraction

   • waves spread out to some extent into the area beyond the gap
     • extent of the spreading depends on how the width of the gap compares to the wavelength of the waves.
   • diffraction can sometimes be seen in waves in the sea when they pass into a harbour
   • diffraction through a narrow gap
   • diffraction through a wide gap

4. wave speed = frequency x wavelength

   • wave speed is measured in m/s
   • frequency is measure din Hz
   • wavelength is measured in m

5. frequency and time period

   • frequency = 1 / time period
     • f = 1 / T
     • number of waves is measured in Hertz (Hz)
     • time is measured in s

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