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Waves

Explore the different types of waves, including electromagnetic and mechanical waves, and learn about their properties such as amplitude, wavelength, and frequency. Discover how wave interference can result in constructive or destructive effects.

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Waves

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  1. Waves • A wave carries energy through matter (a medium) or space: • Electromagnetic waves - travel through empty space at the speed of light. They do not require a medium. • EM waves are transverse waves. • The EM spectrum consists of waves including gamma rays, x-rays, UV light, visible light, IR waves, microwaves and radio waves. • Mechanical waves – travel through some form of matter to carry their energy. Mechanical waves can be either transverse or longitudinal waves. • The matter that carries a wave is called the medium and includes matter such as air, water, rock, metal, etc.

  2. Modeled by using a sine wave. Types include EM waves and ocean waves. Depending on the type of wave, transverse waves may or may not require a medium. Modeled by using a spring. Sound waves are longitudinal waves. Longitudinal waves are mechanical waves – they require a medium. Longitudinal Waves compression rarefaction Transverse Waves

  3. Waves transverse wave longitudinal wave Waves do not require a medium require a medium Mechanical Waves Electromagnetic Waves earthquake p-waves light earthquake s-waves sound

  4. Properties of Waves • Amplitude – Maximum height from resting position. The larger the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries. • Wavelength – The distance between successive identical parts of a wave. Represented by lambda, . • Crest – The high point. • Trough – The low point. • Period – The time needed for a wave to make one complete cycle (wavelength) of motion. Represented by T. Units of seconds. • Frequency – Number of cycles (wavelengths) per unit time. Represented by f. Units of hertz (Hz). Wavelength Crest Amplitude Resting Position Trough

  5. Interference • Wave interference occurs when two or more waves are in the same place at the same time. A single wave is created. • When the crests of the waves overlap, constructive interference occurs and the resultant wave has an amplitude that is the sum of all the original waves’ amplitudes. • When the crests and troughs of the waves overlap, destructive interference occurs and the amplitude of the resultant wave is subtractive – it is smaller than the original waves or even cancelled out completely. Constructive Interference = Reinforcement = + = + Destructive Interference = Cancellation

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