## BIG IDEAS Waves are characterized by amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength, and wave velocity (speed). - Amplitude ($A$ ) – distance between the resting position and the maximum displacement of the wave. - Frequency ($f$ ) – number of waves passing by a specific point per second. - Period ($T$ ) – time it takes for one wave cycle to complete. - Wavelength ($\lambda$ ) – the distance between adjacent identical parts of a wave, parallel to the propagation. - Wave velocity ($v_w$ ) – speed at which the wave disturbance moves. See [[Wave Equation]] - All waves are a **disturbance** traveling through space. - Some waves require a **medium** that carries energy without the accompanying transfer of matter. - These are known as **mechanical waves**. - Examples of mechanical waves include water waves, waves in springs or rope, and sound waves. - We can further classify mechanical waves as **transverse** or **longitudinal**. - This classification is based on the way the wave travels. - In contrast to mechanical waves, **electromagnetic waves** do not require a medium through which to travel. - There is a wide range of waves which we generally call light. This includes visible light, ultraviolet light, x-rays, etc. ### Energy Waves carry energy. This transfer of energy is caused by the vibrations of matter rather than a transfer of matter. The rate of energy transfer depends on the amplitude of the wave. A higher amplitude is proportional to greater energy. $E \propto A^2$ ### Slide Deck <div style="position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-top: 56.2500%; padding-bottom: 0; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px 0 rgba(63,69,81,0.16); margin-top: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.9em; overflow: hidden; border-radius: 8px; will-change: transform;"> <iframe loading="lazy" style="position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0; border: none; padding: 0;margin: 0;" src="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGSwLPscBI/DDG-mkVHsS0f8Nd25s-Ptw/view?embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="fullscreen"> </iframe> </div> ### Related Topics --- [[Home|Home]] | [[Oscillations]] | [[Waves]] | [[Module 0 Sound]] | [[Electromagnetic radiation]]