Y3 RP PHYSICSWaves Definition of a wave: A disturbance that transfers energy DEVAM

through vibrations from one place to another without transferring matter. Formation of a wave: CONDITIONS:

Each section of the rope Set into up-and-down motion By the previous section As the wave propagates.

CHARACTERISTICS:

The rope is the medium. Individual particles do not move with the wave.

Up = Crest Convex converging light bright fringeDown = Trough Concave diverging light dark fringeTransverse waveLongitudinal Wave

travels in a direction perpendicular to the direction of vibration.

travels in a direction parallel to the direction of vibration.

Crests and Troughs Compression VS Rarefaction

Rarefactions are between successive compressions.

Key Terms Term Definition Fun Stuff

DisplacementDistance of the oscillating particle from its equilibrium position at any point in time.

Amplitude Maximum displacement of the oscillating particle in a wave measured from the equilibrium position. symbol is A

Period Time taken to complete one oscillation of the wave. Time taken for the wave to pass a point / leave its source.T / s

Frequency Number of oscillations made by the wave per second[footnoteRef:1]. [1: Or whatever unit of measurement of time. ]

Number of waves per second passing a point. f / Hz

f = 1 / T. (Frequency = 1 / Time taken to complete one oscillation)

{Can be modelled by a distance-time graph}

WavelengthLeast distance between corresponding points in successive waveforms[footnoteRef:2]. [2: Also described as points on the wave that are in phase.]

/ m

v = frequency x wavelength