Wave Basics

Science 2008-2009By: Julia Faul

Wave Definition

Any traveling disturbance that transfers energy.

http://www1.moe.edu.sg/learn@/Quest/winners/secondary/raffles_girls_sch_nc/Folders/Frames/Images/wave.jpg

Crest

Peak or high point of a wave

CREST

Trough

The low point of a wave

TROUGH

Equilibrium

Resting point of a wave, in other words there is no disturbance

EQUILIBRIUM

Amplitude

Point of maximum displacement from the equilibrium

This measures the volume of a waveAMPLITUDE

Wavelength (λ) Distance or length of one full wave cycle

(trough to trough of crest to crest)

It should be the same distance for each wavelength

WAVELENGTH

WAVELENGTH

Wave Frequency

How often a full wave cycle occurs, or the amount of time it takes for one full wave cycle to occur.

Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) Frequency also measures the pitch of

a wave

http://www.davidjarvis.ca/dave/gallery/lg/sine-wave-frequency.jpg

Medium The substance or “stuff” the wave

travels through For Example -Water -Air

There are no mediums in space! This basically means NO SOUND!! Light CAN travel without a medium.

http://odin.physastro.mnsu.edu/%7Eeskridge/astr101/Surface_waves.jpg

Electromagnetic Radiation Waves

These come from the sun… -Radio Waves -Microwaves -Infrared (Heat waves) -Visible Light -UV Rays -X-Rays -Gamma Rays

http://www.bxscience.edu/ourpages/users/Villani/bionic/2000/Pics/x%20rays.jpg

Sound Waves

Cannot travel in space! Change in amplitude=volume Change in Wavelength=pitch

http://www.brobproductions.com/bigstockphoto_Sound_Waves_1345039.jpg

Two Types of Waves Transverse Waves--These waves go side

to side LIGHT!!!

Longitudinal Waves--These waves push

and pull SOUND!!!

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/857/35069553.JPG http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/MMEDIA/waves/tfl.gif