P2.1:Waves,Sound and Light

P2.1:Waves,Sound and Light

1. Light waves transfer light

2. Sound waves transfer sound

3. Longitudinal wave is one which the particles vibrate parallel to the direction in which the wave is travelling

   • 3 examples are...
     • Sound waves
     • Ultrasound waves
     • Slinky Spring waves when the spring is moved backwards and forwards

4. Transverse waves are the vibrations are at 90 degrees or perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is travelling

   • 3 examples are...
     • Water waves
     • Electromagnetic waves e.g. light or x-rays
     • Slinky Spring waves when the spring is moved up and down

5. Calculating amplitude-The amplitude of a wave is the greatest displacement of the wave from its undisturbed position. Amplitude is measured in metres and is a measure of how much energy is carried by the wave

   • Amplitude=1/2 distance from crest to trough
   • Calculating wavelength-The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. Wavelength is measured in metres
     • Wavelength=distance between consecutive waves
     • Calculating frequency-The frequency of a wave is the number of complete waves passing a fixed point in a second. Frequency is given the symbol, f, and is measured in units called hertz(Hz)
       • Frequency=no. of complete waves in 1 sec so
       • Frequency=no of waves divided by time(sec)
       • The wave equation
         • Wave speed=frequency x wavelength