MYP4 Light and Waves

MYP4 Light and Waves

1. Basic waves diagrams

   • Amplitude
     • This is the maximum distance a point moves from its rest position when a wave passes
   • Wavelength
     • This is the distance between any point on a wave and the equivalent point on the next
       • SI unit is m
   • Period
     • The time for one oscillation
       • It is equal to 1/frequency
         • If the frequency is 4 Hz, the period is 1/4 s (0.25s)
   • Speed
     • The speed of the waves is measured in metres per second (m/s)
       • Speed = frequency * wavelength
   • Crests and troughs
     • A crest is a point on the wave where the displacement of the medium is at a maximum. A point on the wave is a trough if the displacement of the medium at that point is at a minimum
   • Frequency
     • This is the number of waves passing any point per second
       • SI unit is the hertz (Hz)
         • If a rope makes 4 oscillations per second, then 4 waves pass any point per second = 4 Hz

2. Oscillation

   • The to-and-fro movements of the coils
     • Up and down or from side to side
       • Transverse waves
         • Electromagnetic waves
           • Radio waves
           • Microwaves
           • infrared rays
           • Light
           • Ultraviolet rays
           • X-rays
           • Gamma rays
     • Backwards-and forwards
       • Compressions and rarefactions
         • Longitudinal waves
           • Sound waves