2_GCSE- Physics: Waves- P2.1

2_GCSE- Physics: Waves- P2.1

1. Types of waves

   • Waves transfer energy but in general don't transfer matter.
   • 1) Transverse waves
     • Definition: It moves from right- angles to; or perpendicular to the vibration causing it.
     • E.g: Light; X- Rays; Gamma Rays; Radio Waves
   • 2) Longitudinal Waves
     • Definition: It moves parallel to the vibration causing it.
     • When the area of the longitudinal wave is closer together, it's called a ----> "Compression"
     • When an area of the longitudinal wave is spread further apart, it is called a ----> "Rarefaction"
     • E.g: Slinky Spring; Sound Wave; Ultra- sound

2. Describing Waves:

   • Wavelength
     • The distance from one wave peak to the next wave peak along the waves or it can also be described as a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave.
     • The wavelength is the distance between each compression or rarefaction.
   • Amplitude
     • The distance measured from the middle of the wave to the height of the crest or depth of the trough NOT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM OF WAVE
     • The amplitude of a longitudinal wave is the maximum distance a particle moves from the centre of its motion.
   • Frequency
     • The frequency of a wave of a certain wavelength is the number of complete waves passing a point each second.

3. Wave equation:

   • Wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)
     • V= Speed (m/s)
     • F= frequency (Hertz)
       • Frequency= No. of complete waves / passing a point each second
       • Frequency= Speed (m/s) / wavelength (m)
     • = wavelength (m)