Waves

Waves

1. Transverse waves

   • Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular 9right angles) to the direction of travel - e.g. all EM waves.
   • The frequency is the number of waves that occur every second
   • The frequency of a wave is measured in Hertz (Hz).

2. Longitudinal waves

   • Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of travel. e.g. sound waves.

3. If you look at waves on a beach, they vary in height and in how far apart they are. Some travel faster than others.

   • Wave length is the distances from one peak to the next.
     • Frequency is how many complete waves there are per second (passing a certain point).
       • Amplitude is just the height of the wave (from the mid line to the peak).
         • The speed is how fast it goes.

4. Electromagnetic Spectrum

   • Radio Waves
     • Micro Waves
       • Infrared
         • Visible Light
           • Ultraviolet
             • X-rays
               • Gamma Rays
   • EM waves with different wave lengths or frequencies have different properties. We group them into seven basic types, but the different regions actually merge to form a continuous spectrum.
   • All the different types of electromagnetic wave travel at the same spped in a vacuum. (e.g. space). Em waves with higher frequencies have lower wave lengths.

5. Wave speed = frequency x wave length

   • Speed = m/s
     • Frequency = Hz
       • Wave length = metres