Wave Properties
Waves Wave = a disturbance that propagates through a material medium or space. A mechanical wave needs a medium An electromagnetic wave can travel through a vacuum (empty space) Medium = a substance or material that carries the wave. rope wave medium: rope stadium wave medium: people water wave medium: water
Waves transfer energy Waves not particles The interactions of one particle of the medium with the next adjacent particle allow the disturbance to travel through the medium. Mechanical Energy Electrical Energy Mechanical Energy
Pulse Wave: Periodic Wave: Single disturbance in a medium Repeated disturbance in a medium
Transverse Wave Longitudinal Wave Displacement of the wave is perpendicular to the motion of the wave. Longitudinal Wave Displacement of the wave is parallel to the motion of the wave.
Wave Characteristics Displacement vs. Time Graph crest wavelength = distance it takes for wave to repeat itself period = time it takes for wave to repeat itself crest amplitude displacement (m) time (s) trough frequency = #cycles per second midline = equilibrium position
the maximum displacement Amplitude the maximum displacement from equilibrium Units: meters
The distance it takes for a wave to repeat itself Wavelength (λ) The distance it takes for a wave to repeat itself Units: meters
Frequency (f) - the number of vibrations per second Units: Hz Period (T) – the time interval it takes for the wave to repeat itself Units: seconds
Wave Speed (v) - speed of the wave Units: m/s Speed of a wave depends on the medium. Speed increases as the density of the medium increases
In which medium will a wave travel the fastest? In which medium will a wave travel the slowest? Air Water Metal table
In which medium will a wave travel the fastest? In which medium will a wave travel the slowest? Air Water Metal table slowest fastest
result of two waves with the same wavelength, frequency, and amplitude A standing wave is the result of two waves with the same wavelength, frequency, and amplitude traveling in opposite directions through the same medium.
Example 1 𝑣=λ𝑓 𝑣=(4.7 𝑚)(3 𝐻𝑧) 𝑣=14.1 𝑚/𝑠 A standing wave travels through rope. You measure the distance from crest to crest to be 4.7 m and the crest and the wave repeats itself 3 times per second. What is the speed of the wave in the rope? 𝑣=λ𝑓 𝑣=(4.7 𝑚)(3 𝐻𝑧) 𝑣=14.1 𝑚/𝑠
Example 2 It takes a wave 7.5 s to complete a single vibration. If the wave travels at a speed of 120 m/s, what is its wavelength? 𝑣=λ𝑓 𝑓= 1 𝑇 𝑓= 1 7.5 𝑠 𝑓=0.13333 Hz 𝑣=(120 𝑚)(0.13333 𝐻𝑧) 𝑣=16 𝑚/𝑠