Waves Have Measurable Properties Ch. 15.2 Waves Have Measurable Properties
Vocabulary Crest – the highest point, or peak, of a wave trough – the lowest point, or valley, of a wave amplitude – the distance a medium travels above or below its position at rest wavelength – the distance from one wave crest or trough to the next frequency – the number of wavelengths passing a fixed point in a certain amount of time
Review Transverse waves – travel perpendicular to the disturbance direction of disturbance direction of wave transfer of energy Transverse waves – travel perpendicular to the disturbance Longitudinal waves – travel in the same direction as the disturbance. Longitudinal Wave direction of disturbance direction of wave transfer of energy
Waves have amplitude, wavelength, and frequency Common properties of waves that scientists measure: Amplitude Wavelength Frequency
Crests and troughs Crests are the highest points or peaks of waves. Troughs are the lowest points, or valleys of waves. water level at rest fixed point crest trough
Waves have amplitude, wavelength, and frequency a,b. Amplitude-distance between a line through the middle of a wave and a crest and a trough c. Wavelength-distance from one wave crest to the next d. Water level at rest b(bottom). trough a(top). Crest Frequency – the number of waves passing a fixed point in a certain amount of time.
Amplitude 1. Wave with low amplitude 2. Wave with high amplitude The wave with greater amplitude carries more energy
How Frequency and Wavelength are Related When frequency increases, there are more waves per second, and the wavelength shortens. On the other hand, when frequency decreases, there are fewer waves per second, and the wavelength lengthens.
Graphing Wave Properties Amplitude is measured by determining the compression of the medium Frequency is measured by determining the number of waves passing a fixed point in a certain amount of time.
Graphing Wave Properties For transverse waves, the amplitude is measured by determining the distance between the mediums position at rest and the wave’s crest or trough. Frequency is measured in the same way for both types of waves.
Wave speed can be measured The formula for wave speed is: Speed = wavelength x frequency Calculate the waves speed of a water wave that has a frequency of 5 waves per second and a wavelength 0.4m.
Wave speed can be measured The formula for wave speed is: Speed = wavelength x frequency 0.4 x 5 = 2.0 m/s