1. W1 & W2 Notes

2. W1 Waves Waves are a method that many types of energy use to move from one place to another. In other words, a wave is moving energy. A wave can occur in matter or in objects without matter. Waves are considered to be disturbances that are created by forces or energy.

3. Waves will always start at the source and move away from the source. A wave is a disturbance that carries energy from one place to another without carrying matter. When a wave travels through a medium, the medium will oscillate (move or swing back and forth), but there is no net movement of the matter due to the wave. This oscillation can be in the direction of the wave or perpendicular to the wave.

4. W1 Parts of a Wave

5. W2 Types of Waves There are two main types of waves: Mechanical waves and Electromagnetic radiation. This classification is made mainly on if the wave travels through a medium or not. Mechanical waves are waves that travel by making a substance, such as air or water, vibrate. If there is no substance, as is the case in outer space, a mechanical wave will stop moving. The three major mechanical wave types are sound waves, water waves and seismic waves.

6. Electromagnetic waves are different from mechanical waves in that electromagnetic waves can travel through the empty vacuum of outer space. Some electromagnetic waves can also travel through certain types of media as well. Major types of electromagnetic waves are: visible light, radio waves, x-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet light.