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What is meant by 'a wave'?
A wave is any disturbance that transmits energy through matter or empty space.
Which type of wave requires a medium to travel through?
Longitudinal waves oscillate at right angles to the direction of travel.
False
Describe the characteristics of transverse waves.
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What is wavelength?
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What does frequency measure?
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What is amplitude?
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What are P waves?
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S waves can travel through liquids and gases.
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Which waves are characterized by areas of compression and rarefaction?
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Study Notes
Waves
- A wave is a disturbance that transmits energy through matter or empty space.
- Waves are vibrations that transfer energy from place to place without matter (solid, liquid or gas) being transferred. The energy passed along by a wave moves farther and farther from the source of energy, the direction of transferring energy is known as “wave direction”.
- Waves can be categorized into mechanical or electromagnetic waves.
- Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through.
- Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel through (can travel through space).
Transverse Waves
- Oscillations are at right angles to the direction of travel and energy transfer.
- Made up of crests and troughs.
- Crest: The highest point of a transverse wave.
- Trough: The lowest point of a transverse wave.
- Examples: Light, other electromagnetic radiation, water waves, S waves.
Longitudinal Waves
- Oscillations are along the same direction as the direction of travel and energy transfer.
- Show areas of compression and rarefaction.
- Compression: Areas where the parts of the wave are close together.
- Rarefaction: Areas where the parts of the wave are far apart.
- Examples: Sound waves, waves in a stretched spring, P waves.
Seismic Waves
- Two main classes: body waves and surface waves.
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Body waves travel within the Earth.
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P waves (primary): Cause the ground to compress and expand in the direction of travel.
- Arrive first at seismic recording stations.
- Can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.
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S waves (secondary): Shake the ground perpendicular to the direction of travel.
- Arrive after P waves at seismic recording stations.
- Can only travel through solid materials.
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P waves (primary): Cause the ground to compress and expand in the direction of travel.
- Surface waves travel along the Earth's surface.
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Body waves travel within the Earth.
Wave Parameters
- Wavelength (λ): The distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next wave. Or from the center of compression to the center of the next compression. Measured in meters (m).
- Frequency (f): The number of waves produced in 1 second by the source producing the wave. Measured in Hertz (Hz).
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Amplitude (A): The maximum displacement of an oscillation or wave from its rest position. Related to the energy of the wave:
- Larger-amplitude sounds are louder.
- Larger-amplitude light waves are brighter.
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Description
Explore the fascinating world of waves, including their definitions, types, and behaviors. This quiz covers the concepts of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, as well as transverse and longitudinal waves. Test your knowledge and understanding of how waves transmit energy through different mediums.
