what do all waves do
transfer energy from one place to another
what is a transverse wave
a wave where oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
what is a longitudinal wave
a wave where oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
what do all longitudinal waves need
a medium to travel in
example of transverse wave
light, electromagnetic wave
example of longitudinal waves
sound waves
features of transverse waves
have peaks and troughs
features of longitudinal waves
have compressions and rarefactions
what is important to know about the movement of waves
the wave moves and not whatever it passes through
what is amplitude
maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its undisturbed position
what is wavelength
the distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave
what is frequency
the number of waves passing a point each second
what is the unit of waves
Hz
what is period
the time for one wave to pass a point
wave speed equation
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
period equation
period = 1/ velocity
what is wave speed
the speed at which the wave moves through the medium
method to measure speed of sound waves in air
what determines how quickly sound waves travel
the density of the medium
where do sound waves travel fastest
a solid as spaces between particles is smaller so vibrations and energy can be passed on more quickly
what is the speed of sound in air
330m/s
Ripple tank practical method
Waves in a solid practical method
safety precautions of wave practicals
take care working with water and electricity - mop up spillages
don’t stand beneath masses in case weights fall off
wear safety goggles when using oscillating string as it may snap at high frequency