IGCSE Physics - Properties of Waves

IGCSE Physics - Properties of Waves

• Electromagnetic Waves:

  • Travel at a constant speed in a vacuum (3 x 10⁸ m/s)
  • All have the same speed in free space
  • Different types have different wavelengths and frequencies
  • Examples: Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible light, Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves
  • Different electromagnetic waves have various uses (e.g., heating food, medical imaging)

• Electromagnetic Waves properties:

  • Different properties, such as wavelength or frequency, are NOT the same for all types of electromagnetic waves.
  • Speed in a vacuum is the only property that is the same for all electromagnetic waves.

• Ultrasound Waves:

  • Frequency is outside the range of human hearing
  • Used in medical imaging
  • Speed is greater inside the body than in air
  • Waves are reflected and the time taken is used to calculate depth

• Longitudinal Waves:

  • Example: Sound waves
  • Particle vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel
  • Characterised by compressions and rarefactions

• Transverse Waves:

  • Example: Water waves
  • Particle vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
  • Characterised by crests and troughs

• Wave Properties:

  • Amplitude: maximum displacement from the rest position
  • Wavelength: distance between two successive crests or troughs
  • Frequency: number of waves passing a point per unit time
  • Speed: product of frequency and wavelength

• Wave Equation:

  • speed = frequency × wavelength

• Speed of Sound:

  • To measure the speed of sound, a method to measure the time taken for a sound wave to travel a known distance is required. This includes a stopwatch and the use of an outdoor track of a known length

Este quiz examina le propiedades de ondas electromagnetic e ultrasondos. Tu explorara le differentias inter le tipos de ondas, a lor velocitate, longitud de onda e applicatios in medicina. Preparete pro testare tu comprehension de iste conceptes fundamentales in physic.