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Wave Characteristics

Wave Characteristics. Principles of Physics. Waves. Vibrations that travel Transfer energy. Wave Characteristics. Wavelength ( λ ): length of one complete cycle distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next cycle Units: meters(m)

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Wave Characteristics

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  1. Wave Characteristics Principles of Physics

  2. Waves • Vibrations that travel • Transfer energy

  3. Wave Characteristics Wavelength (λ): length of one complete cycle • distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next cycle • Units: meters(m) Speed (v): how fast the energy is transmitted • Units: meters/second (m/s) Amplitude (A): • the maximum displacement from equilibrium of the particles of the medium through which the wave travels • Directly related to the amount of energy being transmitted

  4. Wave Characteristics Period (T): time for 1 cycle units: seconds(s) Frequency (f): number of cycles per second units: Hertz (Hz) 1 Hz = 1 s **Frequency and Period are inverses of each other: T = 1 f =_1_ f T

  5. Mechanical Waves Waves that require a medium through which to travel *medium = material

  6. Mechanical waves Pulse: a short length of wave (generally ≤ 1 λ)

  7. Mechanical waves Transverse Wave: particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of motion of the energy Crest: high point (a.k.a. wave front) Trough: low point

  8. Mechanical waves Longitudinal Wave: particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of motion of the energy Rarefaction: where particles are spread the farthest Compression: where particles are closest together wavelength Direction of travel

  9. http://wildcat.phys.northwestern.edu/vpl/waves/wavetypes.htmlhttp://wildcat.phys.northwestern.edu/vpl/waves/wavetypes.html

  10. Wave Speed v = fλ = dd = distance energy travels t t = time energy travels = (Hz)(m) = m/s = 1 (m) = m/s s = m/s = m/s

  11. Mechanical Waves • Speed depends on the medium (material through which the energy is travelling) • Frequency depends on the source (whatever is providing the vibrating energy) Therefore, wavelength depends on speed and frequency through v = fλ

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