Physics - Waves and Radiation

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ALL WAVES TRANSFER ENERGY

There are 2 forms of waves:

Transverse

Longitudinal

Transverse Waves

Light (Electrodynamic waves) is an example of a transverse wave. Water is sometimes considered to be a transverse wave, though physics teachers across Scotland argue it isn't (it is recognised as a transverse wave by the SQA).

Peak (crest) - The highest point on the wave

Amplitude - the height of the wave from mid point to a peak (1) or trough (4)

Wavelength - The length of on full wave. You must use the same point but on a different wave to measure the wavelength, for example, peak to peak or start of one wave to the start of the next. It is measured in metres (m).

Trough - The lowest point on the wave