Waves: Ocean and Sound Waves

Waves

Ocean Waves

• Caused by wind friction on the surface of the ocean
• Transfer energy from one location to another
• Characteristics:
  • Wavelength: distance between two consecutive wave crests
  • Frequency: number of waves passing a point per second
  • Amplitude: maximum height of the wave above the calm water level
  • Speed: depends on wavelength and water depth

Sound Waves

• Mechanical waves that propagate through a medium (solid, liquid, or gas)
• Produced by vibration of an object
• Characteristics:
  • Frequency: pitch of the sound
  • Wavelength: distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions
  • Amplitude: loudness of the sound
  • Speed: approximately 343 m/s in air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure

Light Waves

• Electromagnetic waves that transmit energy through electromagnetic fields
• Produced by vibration of charged particles
• Characteristics:
  • Wavelength: varies from 400-700 nanometers (visible light)
  • Frequency: related to energy and color
  • Amplitude: intensity of the light
  • Speed: approximately 299,792,458 m/s in a vacuum

Electromagnetic Waves

• Waves that propagate through electromagnetic fields
• Produced by acceleration of charged particles
• Characteristics:
  • Wavelength: ranges from gamma rays (<0.1 nm) to radio waves (>1 m)
  • Frequency: related to energy and wavelength
  • Amplitude: intensity of the radiation
  • Speed: approximately 299,792,458 m/s in a vacuum
• Applications: radio communication, medical imaging, heating, and lighting

Seismic Waves

• Mechanical waves caused by the vibration of the Earth's interior
• Produced by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or human activities
• Characteristics:
  • P-waves (primary waves): compressional waves that travel through solid, liquid, and gas
  • S-waves (shear waves): shear waves that travel through solid media only
  • Surface waves: waves that travel along the Earth's surface
  • Speed: varies depending on the type of wave and the medium

Waves

Ocean Waves

• Caused by wind friction on the ocean surface
• Transfer energy from one location to another
• Characterized by wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and speed
• Speed depends on wavelength and water depth

Sound Waves

• Mechanical waves that propagate through solid, liquid, or gas
• Produced by object vibration
• Characteristics: frequency (pitch), wavelength, amplitude (loudness), and speed (343 m/s in air)
• Speed approximate in air at room temperature and atmospheric pressure

Light Waves

• Electromagnetic waves transmitting energy through fields
• Produced by charged particle vibration
• Characteristics: wavelength (400-700 nm), frequency (related to energy and color), amplitude (intensity), and speed (approximately 299,792,458 m/s in a vacuum)

Electromagnetic Waves

• Waves propagating through electromagnetic fields
• Produced by charged particle acceleration
• Characteristics: wavelength (gamma rays to radio waves), frequency (related to energy), amplitude (intensity), and speed (approximately 299,792,458 m/s in a vacuum)
• Applications: radio communication, medical imaging, heating, and lighting

Seismic Waves

• Mechanical waves caused by Earth's interior vibration
• Produced by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or human activities
• Characteristics:
  • P-waves: compressional waves through solid, liquid, and gas
  • S-waves: shear waves through solid media only
  • Surface waves: along the Earth's surface
  • Speed varies depending on wave type and medium