Vibration and Wave Types

Vibration

• Vibration is the repeated back-and-forth motion of a particle from its equilibrium position.
• This oscillatory motion is periodic, occurring at regular time intervals.
• Examples include vibrating tuning forks, pendulums, and loudspeaker oscillations.
• Vibrations create sound by displacing medium particles back and forth parallel to the wave direction.

Vibration and Waves

• Vibrations are the sources of waves.
• Waves are disturbances that transfer energy from one point to another.
• Examples include sound waves, water waves, and light.

Types of Waves

• Transverse waves: Particles vibrate perpendicular to wave propagation. Light is an example.
• Longitudinal waves: Particles vibrate parallel to wave propagation. Sound waves are an example.

Mechanical vs. Electromagnetic Waves

• Mechanical waves: Require a medium to propagate. Examples include waves on strings or slinkies and sound waves.
• Electromagnetic waves: Do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum. Examples include radio waves, microwaves, visible light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Parts of a Wave

• Crest: Highest point of a wave.
• Trough: Lowest point of a wave.
• Wavelength: Distance between two successive identical points (e.g., crests or troughs).
• Amplitude: Distance between the equilibrium position and the highest or lowest point.
• Frequency: Number of waves passing a fixed point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Wavelength and frequency are inversely related.

Wave Energy Transfer

• Waves transfer energy, not matter.
• In sound waves, air particles vibrate but return to their original position after the energy passes.
• The amplitude of a wave corresponds to the energy it carries. Larger amplitude means more energy.