Understanding Waves in Physics

Learning Intentions

• Identify important features of waves
• Explain the difference between two types of waves
• Describe constructive and destructive wave interference

Big Ideas

• Electromagnetic energy behaves as both a particle and a wave
• Many properties of light can be understood using a wave model of light

What is a Wave?

• A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through matter or another medium, without causing permanent displacement

Wave Features

• Crest: the highest point of a wave
• Trough: the lowest point of a wave

Wave Features (Continued)

• Wavelength: the measure of one complete cycle from trough to trough or crest to crest, measured in meters
• Amplitude: the height of a wave's crest or the depth of a wave's trough, measured from the resting position

Frequency

• Each cycle (wave length) is called an oscillation
• Frequency is the number of cycles (oscillations) that occur over a certain amount of time.
• Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)
• Hz = # of oscillations per second

Types of Waves

• Transverse Waves: the medium moves perpendicular (90°) to the direction of the wave
  • Examples: shaking a rope, slinky, water waves, vibrating guitar strings
• Compression Waves (Longitudinal Waves): the medium moves back and forth along the same direction that the wave travels.
  • Examples: sound, some types of earthquake waves

Interference

• When two or more waves hit each other, they interfere with one another
• Two types of interference:
  • Constructive interference
  • Destructive interference

Interference (Continued)

• When waves interfere constructively, they produce one wave with a larger amplitude
• When waves interfere destructively, it produces one wave with a smaller amplitude

This quiz focuses on the fundamental concepts of waves in physics, including their characteristics, types, and interference patterns. You'll explore important features such as wavelength, amplitude, and frequency, while distinguishing between different wave behaviors. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of wave phenomena.