Waves

Waves

1. the frequency of a wave is the number of oscillations per unit time

   • the unit of frequency is hertz

2. the period of a wave is the time that it takes for one complete oscillation

3. the speed of a wave is the distance traveeled per unit time. the unit speed is metre per second ms^-1

4. the energy carried by a wave depends on the amplitude of the wave. the bigger the amplitude the more energy that the wave carries

5. Reflection

   • occurs when a wave bounces from the surface of an obstacle
     • none of the properties of the wave are changed by reflection. the wavelength, frequency, period and speed are the same as before the relfection
     • the only change is the direction in which the wave is travelling

6. Refraction

   • occurs when a wave moves from one material to another
     • the speed and wavelength are changed by refraction
     • the frequency and the period stay the same

7. Diffraction

   • occurs when a wave passes through a narrow gap or goes past an object
   • none of the properties of the wave are changed by diffraction
   • if the gap is the same width as the wavelength the wave will diffract fully

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