Waves and Optics
Wave Motion
Objectives
Differentiate between types of waves
Apply speed, frequency, wavelength, period
and amplitude
Represent transverse and longitudinal waves
in displacement position and displacement-
time graphs.
Introduction
In everyday life we talk and hear , we see and
illuminate objects, radio waves broadcast on the
radio, we feel the warmth of the sun or of a fire,
we cook in microwave ovens, we get x-rays and
ultra sound images. Surprisingly, all these
occurrences have one thing in common, they all
involve the transfer of energy in the form wave
motion.
Types of waves
The classification of waves vary, in this instance we
examine the two basic types of wave motion for
mechanical waves: longitudinal and transverse
waves.
Transverse and longitudinal waves can be shown
as pulses or progressive waves.
See simulations
Definitions
Transverse waves :- are ones in which the displacement of the
particles is at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave
motion.
through vacuum and medium
Longitudinal waves :- Are ones in which the displacement of the
particles is in line with, or parallel to, the direction of travel of
the wave motion.
Through medium
Pulse : - This is a single or short-lived wave motion. It may be
transverse or longitudinal.
Waves using a slinky
Definition and Features
Progressive waves :- Also called travelling waves
is the movement of a disturbance that carries
energy away from a source. It may be longitudinal
or transverse.
It carries energy
Material carrying the wave does not travel with the wave
Each particle in the wave motion vibrates the same way
The particles move or vibrate about their rest position
The vibrations have a time lag in the direction of the wave
The shape of the wave or pulse stays the same as it travels
but the amplitude is reduced.
The speed of the wave is independent of the shape or
amplitude but is affected by the material it travels through
Drawing diagrams
If a question is asked to draw a
diagram of transverse or
longitudinal waves, simplified line
diagrams are used as seen in the
next couple of slides.
Diagram of waves
compressio
Rare n
factions
Diagram of Water waves
wave length
Direction of wave
=
Diagram of wave fronts (crests)
ion
nger is dipped in water describe the kind of wave fronts that would be prod
Wave Equation
v=fλ where, v= wave speed
f = frequency
λ = wavelength
(λ is a Greek letter lambda)
NOTE:
(Use simulator to demonstrate frequency and
wavelength)
Definitions
Wavelength; λ is the distance between two successive particles
that are the exact same point in their path and are
moving in the same direction
Displacement; The distance particles move from their rest
position
Amplitude; The maximum displacement from the rest position
Frequency; The number of complete waves or oscillations per
second unit is Hertz (Hz)
Period or Periodic Time; The time for one complete wave (or
cycle or oscillation)
Phase; Particles in a wave which are one wavelength apart are
said to move together in phase which each other.
Displacement – Time
Graph
Displacement – Position
Graph
Questions
What's the difference between transverse and
longitudinal waves?
Define the amplitude of a wave.
A wave is sent along a wire at a speed of 80
ms-1 . If its frequency is 20Hz, find its
wavelength
A hand displaces a slinky to and fro at a
frequency of 3 Hz. If the distance between
successive crests of the wave is 0.8 m,
calculate the speed of the waves along the
slinky.
TRANVERSE WAVES
What are Electromagnetic waves?
These are traverse waves that are created as
a result of vibrations between an electric field
and a magnetic field when they vibrate
perpendicularly to each other.
What is an electric field?
What is a magnatic field?
Can be split into 7 groups depending on wave
lengty?
Properties
1. All electromagnetic waves are transverse
waves.
2. They can reflect, refract and detractions .
3. They can travel through a vacuum(empty
space).
4. They travel as the same speed as light
(c=3.0 x10^8)
5. They transfer energy
Spectrum
Larges to smallest wave lengths
Smallest frequency to largest frequency
1. Radio Wave
2. Micro Wave
3. Inferred waves
4. Visible Light/waves
5. Ultra Violet Waves
6. X – Ray
7. Gamma Rays
Uses of Waves
Radio wave- Communications/navigation
Microwave- heating food ,wireless
communication
Inferred- Heat / Thermal
Visible - ROYGBIV - colours (smallest to
largest)
