Types of Waves and Their Properties

Types of Waves

• Waves transfer energy from one place to another.
• A wave disturbs the medium it travels through, allowing energy movement.
• Mechanical waves require matter to travel.

Classification of Waves

• Transverse Waves: Particles move perpendicularly to wave direction.
• Longitudinal Waves: Particles move parallel to wave direction.
• Surface Waves: Particles undergo a circular motion at the surface.

Measurable Properties of Waves

• Frequency: Number of cycles passing a given point in a specific time (measured in Hertz).
• Amplitude: Energy carried by wave; measured from peak to resting point.
• Wave Period: Time taken for one complete cycle of the wave.
• Wavelength: Distance between successive crests or troughs of the wave.

Sound Waves

• Sound waves are longitudinal waves that transfer kinetic energy through matter.
• Sound requires a medium to travel; cannot propagate in a vacuum.
• Sound waves vibrate particles, transferring energy from one particle to another.

Propagation Speeds

• Gas allows sound to travel at the slowest speed.
• Liquids provide faster sound transmission than gases.
• Solids enable the fastest speed of sound travel.

Sound Characteristics

• Pitch: Determined by frequency; refers to the highness or lowness of a sound.
• High-frequency sound correlates with a high pitch.
• Low-frequency sound corresponds to a low pitch.

Medium

• The medium is the substance or material that carries the wave, crucial for wave propagation.