What does a wave do?
carries energy as it moves through matter or space
What causes a wave?
initial vibration or oscillation
Two Types of WAVES
Mechanical and Electromagnetic
Def. Mechanical waves
require a MEDIUM
Def. Medium
material that a wave moves through
Def. Electromagnetic
(EM) waves do not require a medium
2 Types of MECHANICAL WAVES
Transverse and longitudinal
Transverse
the motion of the medium is perpendicular to direction the wave moves (side by side waves)
Examples of Transverse
water waves, waves on a string, light and EM waves
Longitudinal
motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave (Compression Wave)
Examples of Longitudinal
sound waves, earthquake waves
Inverse Relationship
as a wavelength increases, frequency decreases
When a wavelength increases, the frequency?
Decreases
When the frequency increases, the wavelength?
decreases
Wavelength
distance between crests(or any similar points on 2 waves)
What is a wavelength measured in?
Meters
Crest
Highest point of wave
Trough
Lowest point of a wave
Frequency
Number of waves per second
Measurement of frequency
Hertz
Amplitude
height of a wave
What is velocity measured in?
Meters per second
m/s
Velocity
Speed of the wave in the medium
When 2 waves meet they?
Interfere with each other
