The Behavior of Waves Chapter 17:3

Science Journal Entry 34 Compare and contrast transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves.

Review There are three types of waves: transverse, longitudinal, and surface waves. A transverse wave causes the medium to vibrate at right angles to the direction of the wave. Longitudinal waves (also called compressional waves) cause the medium to move parallel to the direction of the wave. Surface waves cause the medium to move up and down like transverse waves and back and forth like longitudinal waves.

Wave Energy All waves transfer energy. As amplitude increases, energy increases. As frequency increases, energy increases. As wavelength decreases, energy increases.

Reflection Reflection occurs when a wave bounces off a surface that it cannot pass through. Reflection occurs when a wave bounces off a surface that it cannot pass through. Reflection does not change the speed or frequency of a wave, but the wave can be flipped upside down. Reflection does not change the speed or frequency of a wave, but the wave can be flipped upside down.

Refraction Refraction is the bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle. Refraction is the bending of a wave as it enters a new medium at an angle. When a wave enters a medium at an angle, refraction occurs because one side of the wave moves more slowly than the other side. When a wave enters a medium at an angle, refraction occurs because one side of the wave moves more slowly than the other side. In fact, refraction will only occur when the two sides of a wave travel at different speeds. In fact, refraction will only occur when the two sides of a wave travel at different speeds.

Refraction of Ocean Waves The speed of a wave can change if it enters a new medium. When one side of an ocean wave enters a new medium (shallower water) it slows down. This causes the wave to be refracted or bent and changes the direction of the wave. The speed of a wave can change if it enters a new medium. When one side of an ocean wave enters a new medium (shallower water) it slows down. This causes the wave to be refracted or bent and changes the direction of the wave. If the whole wave enters the shallow water at once, the wave would slow down but it wouldn’t refract and change direction. If the whole wave enters the shallow water at once, the wave would slow down but it wouldn’t refract and change direction.

Wave Refraction

Diffraction Diffraction is the bending of a wave as it moves around an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening. A wave diffracts more if its wavelength is large compared to the size of an opening or obstacle. Diffraction is the bending of a wave as it moves around an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening. A wave diffracts more if its wavelength is large compared to the size of an opening or obstacle.

Interference Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine together. Two types of interference are constructive interference and negative interference. Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine together. Two types of interference are constructive interference and negative interference. The displacements of waves combine to increase amplitude in constructive interference and to decrease amplitude in destructive interference. In destructive interference, the waves may be cancelled out entirely. The displacements of waves combine to increase amplitude in constructive interference and to decrease amplitude in destructive interference. In destructive interference, the waves may be cancelled out entirely.

What are Standing Waves? A standing wave is a wave that appears to stay in one place. It does not seem to move through the medium. When incoming waves pass through reflected waves, a standing wave may be produced. A standing wave is a wave that appears to stay in one place. It does not seem to move through the medium. When incoming waves pass through reflected waves, a standing wave may be produced. The points called nodes are stationary because destructive interference is complete. An antinode is a point where a crest or trough occurs midway between two nodes. The points called nodes are stationary because destructive interference is complete. An antinode is a point where a crest or trough occurs midway between two nodes.

Standing Wave Diagrams

How does a standing wave develop? A standing wave forms only if half a wavelength or a multiple of half a wavelength fits exactly into the length of a vibrating cord. A standing wave forms only if half a wavelength or a multiple of half a wavelength fits exactly into the length of a vibrating cord. Wavelength can be adjusted by changing the frequency that produces a standing wave. Wavelength can be adjusted by changing the frequency that produces a standing wave.

Conclusion Reflection does not change the speed or frequency of a wave, but the wave can be flipped upside down. Reflection does not change the speed or frequency of a wave, but the wave can be flipped upside down. Refraction occurs because one side of a wave moves more slowly than the other side. Refraction occurs because one side of a wave moves more slowly than the other side. A wave diffracts more if its wavelength is large compared to the size of the opening or obstacle. A wave diffracts more if its wavelength is large compared to the size of the opening or obstacle.