Waves: Introduction and Types

Definition of Waves

• A wave is a transfer of energy through a medium from one point to another.
• Examples include water waves, sound waves, and radio waves.

Types of Waves

• Transverse Wave
  • Moves the medium perpendicular to the wave motion.
  • Examples: Vibrating guitar string, electromagnetic waves.
• Longitudinal Wave
  • Moves the medium parallel to the wave motion.
  • Examples: Slinky wave that you push and pull.

Wave Properties

• Transverse Wave
  • Crest: Maximum upwards displacement.
  • Trough: Maximum downwards displacement.
  • Amplitude: Measurement of maximum displacement.
  • Wavelength: Distance of one complete wave cycle (e.g., crest to crest or trough to trough).
• Longitudinal Wave
  • Compressions and Rarefactions: Areas of maximum displacement.
  • The stronger the wave, the more compressed and spread out the medium becomes.

Key Terms

• Wave motion parallel to wave direction: Longitudinal wave.
• Wave motion perpendicular to wave direction: Transverse wave.
• Ocean wave: Example of a transverse wave.
• Distance from one trough to another: Wavelength.
• Measurement of displacement: Amplitude.

Waves: Velocity and Frequency

Calculating Wave Velocity

• Wavelength: Length of one complete wave cycle, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.
• Frequency: Number of waves or vibrations produced per second, measured in Hertz.

Velocity Equation

• Velocity = Wavelength x Frequency (v = λ x f)
• This equation applies to any wave form, including water, sound, or radio waves.

Example Calculations

1. Wavelength: 12 meters, Frequency: 10 Hz
   • Velocity: V = 12 x 10 = 120 meters per second
2. Wavelength: 3 meters, Frequency: 15 Hz
   • Velocity: V = 3 x 15 = 45 meters per second
3. Wavelength: 18 meters, Frequency: 0.5 Hz
   • Velocity: V = 18 x 0.5 = 9 meters per second
4. Wavelength: 0.5 meters, Frequency: 100 Hz
   • Velocity: V = 0.5 x 100 = 50 meters per second

These notes provide an overview of wave types, their properties, and calculations related to wave velocity, essential for understanding wave dynamics in physics.