General Properties of Waves

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. This means that, while waves cause particles to move, the particles themselves do not travel with the wave.

In a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Imagine a rope moving up and down - the wave travels horizontally, while the rope oscillates vertically.

In a longitudinal wave, the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Think of a spring - when compressed and released, the wave travels in the same direction as the coils are moving.

The distance from one peak to the next peak (or trough to trough) of a transverse wave. It represents the length of one complete wave.

The number of complete waves passing a given point in one second. It indicates the rate at which waves oscillate.

The maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position. In a transverse wave, it's the distance from the rest position to a peak or trough.

The speed at which a wave propagates. It depends on the properties of the medium through which the wave travels.

The equation that connects wave speed, frequency, and wavelength. It's a fundamental relationship in wave physics.

When a wave bounces back from a boundary without passing through it. Think of a ball bouncing off a wall.

When a wave changes direction as it passes from one medium to another. This is because its speed changes. Think of a straw in a glass of water appearing bent.

When a wave spreads out after passing through a narrow opening or around an obstacle. This is because waves tend to spread out in all directions.

A device used to create and observe water waves. It helps visualize and understand wave phenomena like reflection, refraction, and diffraction.

An imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the surface where a wave meets a boundary. It helps to measure angles of incidence and reflection.

The angle between the incident ray and the normal. It's important in understanding reflection and refraction.

The angle between the reflected ray and the normal. It's always equal to the angle of incidence.

The angle between the refracted ray and the normal. It's affected by the speed change of the wave as it enters a new medium.

The extent of diffraction depends on the size of the gap compared to the wavelength of the wave. Diffraction is most prominent when the gap size is similar to the wavelength.

When waves pass through a narrow gap, they spread out. The amount of spreading depends on the wavelength and gap size.

Waves can also diffract around edges or obstacles. The amount of spreading depends on the wavelength of the wave.

The higher the frequency of the motor, the shorter the wavelength of the waves generated. This relationship is important in understanding the behavior of waves.

The speed of a wave depends on the medium it travels through. Different media have different properties that affect wave speed.

The bending of light waves as they pass from one medium to another. This is because light travels at different speeds in different mediums.

The reflection of light waves from a smooth surface. This is why we can see images in mirrors.

Sound waves are longitudinal waves that involve the vibration of particles in a medium. These vibrations travel through the medium as compressions and rarefactions.

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that do not require a medium to travel. They can travel through a vacuum.

Electromagnetic waves travel at different speeds in different mediums. This is why light bends as it passes from air to water.

A wave pulse is a single disturbance that travels through a medium. It's like a single bump in a rope or a single clap of thunder.

A wave train is a series of repeating wave pulses that travel through a medium. It's like a continuous wave on a rope or a steady sound.