Wave Properties

Wave Properties

1. What are waves?

   • Waves are oscillations either of fields or particles. They carry energy from one place to another.

2. The wave equation is V=F x λ

   • V = Velocity (speed)
   • F = Frequency (Hz)
     • number of waves produced by a source each second.
   • λ = Wavelength
     • the distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave.

3. Amplitude

   • Maximum distance from the line of displacement

4. Types of waves

   • Longitudinal Waves
     • the energy travels along in the same direction as the particles vibrate.
   • Transverse Waves
     • All of the electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, as are water waves.
     • With this type of wave, the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction that the energy travels.

5. Top of the wave - Peak/Crest

   • Bottom of the wave - trough