Physics - Waves

Physics - Waves

1. Types of waves

   • Transverse
     • The oscillations are at right angles to the direction of travel
     • Light and other types of electromagnetic radiation are transverse waves
       • Water waves and S waves (a type of seismic wave) are also transverse waves.
   • Longitudinal
     • The oscillations are along the same direction as the direction of travel
     • Sound waves and waves in a stretched spring are longitudinal waves
       • P waves (relatively fast moving longitudinal seismic waves that travel through liquids and solids) are also longitudinal waves.
     • Longitudinal waves show area of compression and rarefaction
       • Areas of compression are where there are more particles in a wave
         • A bunched up section
         • Higher pressure
       • Areas of rarefaction are where there are less particles in a wave
         • A stretched out section
         • Lower pressure

2. The wave equation

   • Wave velocity = Frequency x Wavelength
     • v = fλ
   • Velocity is measured in metres per second (m/s)
   • Frequency is measured in Hertz
   • Wavelength is measured in metres

3. Properties of waves

   • Amplitude
     • The highest or lowest point of the wave from the zero displacement
       • Maximum disturbance from its undisturbed position
   • Wavelength
     • The distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave
       • Symbol for wavelength = lambda (λ)
   • Crest
     • The top of a wave (peak)
       • Point of maximum positive displacement
   • Trough
     • The bottom of a wave
       • Point of maximum negative displacement
   • Frequency
     • The number of waves produced by a source each second
       • The number of waves that pass a certain point each second
     • Measured in hertz (Hz)
     • 1 wave per second = 1 Hertz

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