Introductory Quiz

Introduction to Mechanical Waves

• Waves have peaks and troughs, and the distance between any two peaks or troughs is called the wavelength, which is represented by the Greek letter lambda.
• Waves move in a direction perpendicular to the displacement of the wave, and this type of wave is called a transverse wave.
• The displacement of the wave is called the amplitude, while the actual displacement of any point on the wave is called the vertical displacement.
• Mechanical waves are created by something that moves in a vertical direction perpendicular to the velocity of the wave, such as a string.
• All waves have the purpose of transporting energy, and the energy that is put into the wave by moving up and down is carried by the wave as it moves.
• The position of any point on the wave is a function of position and time, and it determines how much time has elapsed.
• Sound waves are an example of a different kind of mechanical wave called longitudinal waves, which travel through the air due to the compression of air molecules.
• The velocity of any wave is equal to the frequency times the wavelength, which is represented by the equation: velocity = frequency x wavelength.
• Frequency is the number of times per second that the wave is brought up and down, and it is measured in Hertz (Hz).
• The velocity of a wave can be calculated by multiplying the frequency by the wavelength, and the resulting unit is meters per second.
• A mechanical wave is an object that moves up and down in a way that causes the energy and velocity wave to move in a perpendicular direction.
• In future videos, the concept of wave motion and energy will be discussed in more detail.