Waves Properties

Waves Properties

1. Transverse Waves

   • In a transverse wave the particles travel at right angles to the direction of travel of the energy
   • E.g All electromagnetic waves (Radio, Microwave, Infra Red, Visible Light, Ultra Violet, X-Ray, Gamma)
   • E.g. Water waves and waves in ropes

2. Longitudinal Waves

   • In a longitudinal wave the particles travel along the direction of travel of the energy
   • E.g Sound, Seismic and Mechanical waves (slinky)

3. Definition of a wave

   • Waves are caused by repeated vibrations that transfer energy and information without transferring matter.

4. Wave Equation

   • Wavespeed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)

5. Time Period

   • Period - the time it takes for the source to produce one complete wave.

6. Frequency

   • The number of complete waves passing a point each second
   • Frequency=1/Time period

7. Diffraction

   • Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as they travel through a gap or round an obstacle
     • The maximum diffraction occurs when the size of the gap is equal to the wavelength

8. Amplitude

   • Maximum movement of particles from their resting position

9. Wavelength

   • Distance between a particular point on a wave and the same point on the next wave
     • peak-peak trough to trough compression to compression rarefaction to rarefaction