Lesson 6: Waves
Understanding Waves
Waves are disturbances that transfer energy from one place to another. They can be mechanical (require a medium to travel through) or electromagnetic (can travel through a vacuum).
Transverse waves have particles that move perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Examples include light waves and water waves.
Longitudinal waves have particles that move parallel to the direction of the wave. Examples include sound waves.
Key concepts:
- Amplitude: Maximum displacement of particles from their rest position.
- Wavelength: Distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a transverse wave.
- Frequency: Number of wave cycles that pass a point per unit time. Measured in Hertz (Hz).
- Period: Time taken for one complete cycle of the wave.
Example Problems
Example problem:
A sound wave traveling through the air has a frequency of 500 Hz and a speed of 340 m/s. What is the wavelength of the sound?
Solution:
Wavelength = Speed / Frequency
= 340 m/s / 500 Hz
= 0.68 m
Another example:
A transverse wave has a frequency of 5 Hz and a wavelength of 2 meters. What is the speed of the wave?
Solution:
Speed = Wavelength * Frequency
= 2 m * 5 Hz
= 10 m/s