Physics Waves

Physics Waves

1. Light Spectrum

   • Gamma Rays
   • X-Rays
   • Ultraviolet
     • Johan Ritter, 1801
   • Visible Spectrum
   • Microwaves
   • Radio
   • Infrared
     • Frederick Herschel, 1800

2. Properties

   • Waves carry information and energy
   • Waves do not need a medium to travel through
   • Transverse waves oscillate at right angle to the direction of travel
   • Longitudinal waves oscillate in a single direction

3. Amplitude, wavelengths and frequency

   • Amplitude: Height of wave
   • Wavelength: Length of wave
   • Frequency: Number of times the wave passes the same points (in Hz)

4. Wave speed = v = f × λ

   • v = Wave speed in metres per second
   • f = Frequency in hertz
   • λ = Wave length in meters

5. Refraction and defraction

   • Refraction:When waves pass across a boundary with materials with varying densities
     • Change in direction
   • Diffraction
     • When waves spread out when they "jump" a gap.

6. Seismic Waves

   • P-waves: Longitudinal, faster
   • S-waves: Transverse
   • Cause earthquakes
   • S-waves can only travel through solids, whereas P-waves can move through solids and liquids
   • Location of an earthquake can be calculated by calculating the difference between P and S-waves