Waves (Physics)

Period

(T) The time it takes for one full wavelength to pass a point. Units: second (s)

Frequency

(f) The number of wavelengths that pass a point in a certain amount of time. Units: Hertz (Hz)

Similarities of Mechanical and Electromagnetic waves.

-Can both travel through a medium. -Do not change the final position of the medium they travel through.

Difference between Longitudinal, Transverse and Surface waves.

-Longitudinal: Same Plains (source and energy transport move in the same direction, both move side to side) -Transverse: Different Plains (source and energy transport move in opposite directions, one moves up and down, one moves side to side) -Surface: Combination of Longitudinal and Transverse.

Differences between Mechanical and Electromagnetic waves.

-Mechanical: Need a medium to travel through. -Electromagnetic: Does not need a medium to travel through but can still travel through one.

Wavelength

-The distance between the two closest crests. -In a longitudinal wave: the distance between the two closest compressions or rarefactions. Units: m or cm

Surface Wave

A combination of Longitudinal and Transverse waves. Particles move in circular paths at the surface of a medium. Form at the boundary of two mediums.

Wave

A disturbance that travels through a medium from one place to another.

Longitudinal Wave

A type of Mechanical Wave. The pulse travels parallel to the disturbance direction. (Medium moves parallel to the wave)

Transverse Wave

A type of Mechanical Wave. The pulse travels perpendicular to the disturbance. (Medium moves perpendicular to the wave)

What happens to the energy of a wave as it travels away from the source?

As waves travel farther away, the energy spreads out.

Electromagnetic Waves

Changes electric and magnetic fields in space. Do not need matter to move. Can travel both without and through a medium.

The Doppler Effect

Changes in wavelength when the wave source is moving.

Pitch

Describes how high or how low the sound is. High pitch=Higher frequency

What is the natural position of a wave called?

Equilibrium or rest position.

Crest

Highest point of a Transverse Wave.

Trough

Lowest point of a Transverse Wave.

Do waves move matter?

No, a wave carries energy THROUGH matter or space.

Compression

Part of a Longitudinal Wave where the particles are close together.

Rarefaction

Part of a Longitudinal Wave where the particles are spread out

Speed of a wave formula when given wavelength/frequency.

Speed=Wavelength X Frequency

Speed of a wave formula when given wavelength/period

Speed=Wavelength/Period

Amplitude

The largest distance particles are displaced by a wave from the rest position. Units: decibels (dB)

What happens to the pitch of sound when the object giving off the sound waves is moving towards you?

The waves are squeezed into a smaller space therefore the pitch is lower.

What happens to the pitch of sound when the object giving off the sound waves is moving away from you?

The waves are stretched out therefore the pitch is higher.

What happens to the pitch of sound when the object giving off the sound waves is not moving?

The waves have the same frequency everywhere therefore the pitch is the same anywhere you stand.

What produces waves?

Vibrations (ex: sound waves are vibrations through air.)

Mechanical Waves

Waves that need a medium to travel through. Three Types: -Longitudinal -Transverse -Surface