Physics Waves

Physics Waves

1. Types of waves

   • Transverse wave
     • UP AND DOWN
   • Longitudinal wave
     • IN A LINE

2. Wave definitions

   • Period
     • Time taken for one wave to pass a point
   • Frequency
     • Number of waves each second
   • Amplitude
     • Distance from the mid line to a wave crest or wave through
   • Wavelength
     • The distance between the point on a wave and the identical point on the next wave
   • wave speed
     • Distance the wave travels each second

3. Formulas

   • T=1/f
     • f=N/t
       • N=number of waves(no units)
         • t=time for number of waves to pass a point(s)
     • T=period of the wave, in seconds(s)
       • f=frequency of the wave, in Hertz(Hz)
   • The period of the wave can be calculated using this formula:
   • Wave speed using frequency and wavelength
     • v=f
       • v=speed of wave measured in meters per second(m s )
         • =wavelength measured in meters(m)
           • f=frequency measured in hertz(Hz)
   • Wave speed using distance and time
     • d=vt
       • v=speed of wave measured in metres per second(m s )
       • d=distance wave travels in meters(m)
       • t=time taken for wave to travel given distance

4. Speed of sound

   • The distance and speed are both known, and the speed can be calculated by using he formula d=vt

5. Refraction of light

   • Travelling from air into glass
     • slows down
       • its wavelength decreases
         • it bends towards the normal if it enters the block at an angle
           • its frequency remains unchanged
   • Travelling from glass into air
     • speeds up
       • its wavelength increases
         • it bends away from the normal if it leaves the block at an angle
           • its frequency remains unchanged

6. Electromagnetic spectrum

   • Radio and TV waves
     • microwaves
       • infared
         • visible lights
           • ultraviolet
             • X-rays
               • gamma radiation
                 • high frequency short wavelength
     • Low frequency long wavelength