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Types of Waves. Waves. A wave is a back and forth motion that carries energy through matter or through space. Characteristics of a Wave. The highest points on a wave are called crests . The lowest points are called troughs . Characteristics of a Wave.
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Waves • A wave is a back and forth motion that carries energy through matter or through space.
Characteristics of a Wave • The highest points on a wave are called crests. • The lowest points are called troughs.
Characteristics of a Wave • Wavelength is the distance between one crest or trough to the next.
Characteristics of a Wave • Amplitude is a measure of the wave’s height from the resting position. • Amplitude is equal to one-half of the vertical distance between a crest and trough. • Waves with larger amplitudes carry more energy.
Characteristics of a Wave • Frequency of a wave is a count of either the number of crests or the number of troughs that pass a point in a given amount of time. • The higher the frequency, the more energy the wave carries. • Frequency is measured in units of hertz (Hz). • One Hz = one wave per second. • 60 Hz = 60 waves per second
Two types of waves • Waves are generally one of two basic types: • Mechanical • Electromagnetic
Mechanical Wave • Mechanical waves travel through matter by creating vibrations in a medium. • The medium can be any type of matter: • Solids • Liquids • Gases • Examples of Mechanical waves: • Sound • Seismic waves • Water waves
Electromagnetic Waves • Electromagnetic waves are not caused by a disturbance of particles in a medium. • It is produced by an interaction between an electric and magnetic field. • Examples: • X-rays • Microwaves • Radio waves • Visible light
Electromagnetic Spectrum • An electromagnetic spectrum is a range of radiant energy arranged in order of wavelength and frequency.
Radio Waves • Have some of the longest radio wavelengths of all electromagnetic waves. • Low energy waves. • Radio and Television stations use radio waves.
Microwaves • Short wavelengths • High frequency • Carry more energy than radio waves • Uses: • Cell Phones • Radars • Microwave ovens
X-Rays and Gamma Rays • X-Rays • High energy • Short wavelengths • Greater penetrating power • Gamma Rays • More energy than X-Rays • Produced by some nuclear reactions
Other types of waves • Infrared waves • Carry more energy than microwaves • Visible light • Can be seen with human eye • Contains all colors of light • Ultraviolet light • Short wavelength • Greater energy than visible light