1. Light and Geometric Optics Unit Physics 11
Introduction to Waves
Light and Geometric Optics Unit
Physics 11

2. Objectives What is a wave?
Distinguish the difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves.
Distinguish the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves.
Determine examples of different types of waves.

3. What is a wave?
A vibration or a disturbance that moves through a substance or empty space.
A wave transfers energy from one location to another. A wave does not transfer matter.
2 types: Electromagnetic and mechanical

4. Electromagnetic Waves
is a wave that is capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum (i.e., empty space)
Electromagnetic waves are produced by the vibration of charged particles.
Electromagnetic waves that are produced on the sun subsequently travel to Earth through the vacuum of outer space.
Examples: Light waves, X-rays, radiowaves, microwaves

5. Electromagnetic Waves

6. Mechanical Waves
a wave that is not capable of transmitting its energy through a vacuum
Mechanical waves require a medium in order to transport their energy from one location to another
A medium is a substance or material that carries the wave.
Examples: Sound waves, water waves, stadium waves of people, earthquake waves

7. Longitudinal Waves (Compressional Waves)
Are mechanical waves in which particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction that the wave moves.

8. Longitudinal Waves (Compressional Waves)
Examples: Sound waves, Seismic P-waves (earthquake)
the parts of the wave where the particles of the substance are close together are called compressions
and the parts where the particles are far apart are called rarefactions

9. Transverse Waves
are mechanical waves in which particles of the medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the wave moves
The high points of the wave are called crests while the low points are called troughs

10. Transverse Waves Examples:
The wave in a crowd of people (sporting events)
Ocean waves
Ripples in water
Vibrations in strings

11. Direction of Energy Transport

12. Surface Wave
are mechanical waves in which the particles of the substance carrying the wave move in circles while the wave moves right to left
In a surface wave, it is only the particles at the surface of the medium that undergo the circular motion.
Examples: Water Waves