Wave Properties and Types

Wave Properties

• Waves transfer energy from one place to another
• A medium is the material a wave travels through
• A vacuum is a completely empty space
• Mechanical waves require a medium to travel, sound waves are an example
• Electromagnetic radiation does NOT require a medium to travel, visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and microwaves are examples

Types of Waves

• Mechanical waves are classified based on how they move
• Two main types: transverse and longitudinal
• Transverse wave:
  • Travels perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the source's motion
  • Example: moving a rope up and down
  • Crest: the highest part of the wave
  • Trough: the lowest part of the wave
• Longitudinal wave:
  • Travels parallel to the direction of the vibrations
  • Compression: parts where the coils are close together
  • Rarefaction: parts where the coils are spread out
• Surface wave:
  • A combination of transverse and longitudinal waves
  • Moves in two directions (circular motion)
  • Example: ocean waves

Properties of Waves

• Waves can carry a small or large amount of energy
• Basic properties: amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed
• Amplitude: the distance between the highest crest and the resting position. More energy = greater amplitude
• Wavelength: the distance a wave travels before repeating (crest to crest, or trough to trough)
• Frequency: the number of times a wave repeats in a given amount of time, measured in Hertz (Hz). One wave per second = 1 Hz
• Speed: the distance a wave travels in a certain amount of time; different waves have different speeds. Light travels much faster than sound in air. Light travels faster in water than in glass

Wave Energy

• Waves transmit energy from place to place; energy input depends on the source of vibration.
• Faster vibrations transmit more energy; larger amplitude vibrations transmit more energy
• Wave energy is proportional to frequency and the square of the amplitude.

Lesson Check

• If the amplitude of a wave increases, the energy increases proportionally to the square of the increase in amplitude.
• A jackhammer produces mechanical waves.
• A cyclic and periodic wave repeats in a predictable pattern.
• You measure a longitudinal wave's amplitude by measuring the distance between the resting position and the closest compression or rarefaction.
• If a musician increases the wavelength of a sound wave without changing the speed, the frequency decreases

Explore the fascinating world of waves with this quiz on wave properties and their types. Learn about mechanical waves, transverse and longitudinal waves, and the distinction between waves that require a medium and those that do not. Test your understanding of these essential concepts in physics!