Wave Properties

Students will be able toExplain wave structureContrast transverse and longitudinal wavesDescribe properties of a wave

What are Waves?

WaveA disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another

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What Carries Waves?

MediumThe material through which a wave travelsExamples: Liquids, Air, Solids…

Mechanical WavesWaves that need a mediumExamples: Water and Sound

Electromagnetic WavesWaves that do not need a mediumLight 6

Transfer of Energy

Mechanical waves travel in a mediumbut do not move medium

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What Causes Waves

A source of energy causes mediumto vibrate

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Types of waves

Transverse waves (across)High point – CrestLow point – Trough

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Types of waves

Longitudinal Waves Move medium in to direction of motion

Compression = Come togetherRarefactions = Spread out

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Representing Waves

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Three Properties of Waves

Waves can have different amountsof energy

1. Waves can be tall or shortAmplitude

2. Waves can occur often or rarelyFrequency

3. Waves can move fast or slowSpeed

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Amplitude

Maximum distance that the particlesof the medium carrying the wavemove away from the rest position

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Wavelength

The distance between twocorresponding parts of a wave

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Frequency

Number of waves that pass agiven point in a certain periodof time

Hertz# of waves / second

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Speed

LightningLightSound

RumbleWhy?

Light travels faster so it reaches you firstSound travels slower so comes later

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Speed

Formula

Speed = Wavelength x Frequency

Others can be used

Frequency = Speed / Wavelength

Wavelength = Speed / Frequency 14

Math

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Homework

Draw and label a transverse and alongitudinal wave.