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3.1 Wave Basics

The document explores the types of waves, categorizing them into mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and further into longitudinal and transverse waves. It explains how sound waves travel through vibrations in a medium, while electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum. Additionally, it covers key wave properties such as amplitude, wavelength, and frequency, highlighting their interrelationships.

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5 views17 pages

3.1 Wave Basics

The document explores the types of waves, categorizing them into mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and further into longitudinal and transverse waves. It explains how sound waves travel through vibrations in a medium, while electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum. Additionally, it covers key wave properties such as amplitude, wavelength, and frequency, highlighting their interrelationships.

Uploaded by

1715951
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introducti Exploring the types of

waves and their

on to properties
Think
About
It
How does your voice travel from
your mouth to your friend's ears
when you are having a
conversation?
Answer Key

Think About It
Your voice creates sound When you speak, your vocal These sound waves reach
waves, which are vibrations cords vibrate, producing your friend's ears, causing
that travel through the air. sound waves that move their eardrums to vibrate,
through the air as which their brain interprets
compressions and as sound.
rarefactions.
Mechanical Waves

Mechanical waves, e.g., sound waves,


require a medium (particles) to travel
through. Sound and water waves are
examples of mechanical waves.

Waves Electromagnetic Waves

They do not require a medium to travel


through and can travel through a vacuum.
Visible light, radio waves, and gamma rays
Waves are disturbances that
are some examples of electromagnetic
carry energy from one place to
waves.
another.
MECHANICAL WAVES:
Longitudinal Waves
Longitudin • Vibrations occur parallel to the direction
the wave travels
al • Have regions of compression and
rarefaction moving through the medium
direction of vibration

direction of wave
propagation

compression rarefaction
Mechanical waves are generally
categorised into two main types:
PUSHING A SLINKY BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS
longitudinal and transverse PRODUCES A LONGITUDINAL WAVE.
waves.
MECHANICAL WAVES: A sound wave is a longitudinal wave. It is
produced when the air surrounding a vibrating
Longitudin object also vibrates.
The air particles produce a series of
al compressions and rarefactions, which then
travel and enter the receiver’s ear.

compression rarefaction

SOUND TRAVELS THROUGH THE VIBRATION OF AIR PARTICLES.


MECHANICAL WAVES:

Transverse
Only the energy, not the
particles, is transferred
through the medium.

direction of vibration

direction of wave
propagation

In transverse waves, the


SHAKING A ROPE UP AND DOWN PRODUCES A
vibrations occur at right angles
TRANSVERSE WAVE.
to the wave’s direction.
Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic waves are transverse The electromagnetic spectrum can be
waves. It is characterised by oscillating divided into seven groups: radio wave,
electric and magnetic fields at right microwave, infrared light, visible light,
angles to the direction of wave travel. ultraviolet light, x-ray, and gamma ray.
8
These waves travel at a speed of 3.0 ×
10 m/s in a vacuum.
Radio Microwave Infrared Visible Ultraviolet X-ray Gamma ray

The division between some


categories are distinct, but some
bands overlap (e.g., infrared,
visible, and ultraviolet)
Learning
Check
mechanical wave
A
During an earthquake, P-waves (or primary
electromagnetic wave
waves) travel the fastest. It can travel through B
any type of material and leaves a trail of
longitudinal wave
compressions and rarefactions through the C
medium. What type of wave are P-waves? electromagnetic wave
D
Answer Key

Learning
Check
direction of wave propagation
P-waves, or primary waves, are
mechanical waves because they require a
medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate. compression

Since they create a series of rarefactions


and compressions, the vibration of the
particles in the medium is in the same
direction as wave propagation. Thus, P- rarefaction undisturbed medium

waves fall under longitudinal waves.


Parts of a Wave
Crest
crest
Otherwise known as the peak, the
highest point of a wave

Rest or Equilibrium Position


rest or
The undisturbed position of the equilibrium
particles if they do not vibrate position

Trough through
direction of wave
propagation
The lowest point of a wave
PARTS OF A WAVE:
Amplitude
It is the maximum disturbance amplitude
from the crest of the wave from
its rest position. It represents the
wave's height.
direction of
wave travel
The unit for amplitude (A) is
metres (m).
PARTS OF A WAVE:
Wavelengt
It is a set distance that
represents the full cycle of a
h
one wavelength

wave. It can be measured from


crest to crest, from trough to
trough, or any two consecutive
points in the wave cycle. direction of
wave travel

The unit for wavelength


(λ, Greek letter lambda) is
metres (m).
PARTS OF A WAVE:
Frequency
low frequency

It is the number of waves


passing a specific point per
second.

The unit of frequency is hertz high frequency

(Hz), which is equal to 1 cycle per


second (1/s).
Learning Compare these two waves in
terms of frequency,

Check
wavelength, and amplitude.

A B
Answer Key

Learning
Check amplitude

wavelength
amplitude

wavelength

A B

• same amplitude as B • same amplitude as A


• longer wavelength • shorter wavelength
• lower frequency • higher frequency
Summary
Wave Parts of a Wave
It is a disturbance that transfers energy. Waves have amplitude, wavelength,
frequency, and velocity. Changes in one
property can affect the other features.
Types of Waves
Waves can be grouped as mechanical and
electromagnetic waves. In terms of
propagation, waves can be grouped as
transverse or longitudinal.

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