1. Mechanical vs. Electromagnetic Waves

2. Electromagnetic Waves
Mechanical Waves
Transverse Waves
Longitudinal Waves
Surface Waves
Electromagnetic Waves

3. Mechanical Waves Waves that require a material medium
Examples include water, sound, and waves along a spring or rope
These materials carry the energy of the wave

4. Electromagnetic Waves
Waves that DO NOT require a medium for motion
Examples include light waves, radio waves, and X-rays
All electromagnetic waves travel through space at the speed of light
Since these waves can’t be observed easily, we study mechanical waves

5. Electromagnetic Waves

6. 2 types of Mechanical Waves

7. Transverse Waves
Particles of medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the wave
Examples include guitar strings, waves in piano strings

8. Longitudinal Wave
Particles of medium to move parallel to the direction of the wave
Examples include sound waves, waves through fluids, liquids, gases or plasma

9. Crest – the highest point of a wave.

10. Trough – the lowest point of a wave.

11. Wavelength – a measure from one point on one wave to the corresponding point on the next wave. Measured in meters.

12. Wave Speed The distance a wave travels in a specific amount of time.
Meters per second

13. Practice Problem

14. Equilibrium – rest position

15. Amplitude – the distance a wave rises or falls from the equilibrium
Amplitude – the distance a wave rises or falls from the equilibrium. (How big the wave is) You need more energy to make the amplitude larger

16. Frequency – measurement of how many wave cycles can happen in a certain amount of time. Frequency is measured in hertz. Example: If a motor makes 50 revolutions in one second, we say it has a frequency of 50 hertz (Hz) per second.