Mechanical Waves and Sound (Chapter 12)

Mechanical Waves and Sound (Chapter 12)

1. Wave Motion

   • Transverse Waves
     • Wave moves perpendicular to plane
   • Longitudinal Waves
     • Wave moves parallel to plane
     • "compressive wave"

2. Wave Structure

   • Crests: High points
   • Troughs: Low points
   • Amplitude: Maximum distance from equilibrium point
   • Wavelength: Distance between two peaks or other identical points
   • Period: Time in seconds that it takes for one oscillation to occur

3. Interference: Two waves can pass through each other without altering either

   • Constructive Interference: two waves overlap, the forces briefly sum, then both continue without change
   • Destructive Interference: The two waves are opposite, when they pass they briefly cancel each other out and then continue unchanged

4. Standing Waves

   • Node: net displacement of zero
   • Antinode: Maximum amplitude

5. Beats: alterations in volume due to frequency