Wave Basics

Wave Definition  Any traveling disturbance that transfers energy. WAVES DON’T MOVE MATTER!!!

Crest  Peak or high point of a wave CREST

Trough  The low point of a wave TROUGH

Equilibrium  Resting point : Point of no disturbance…point in between the crest and trough EQUILIBRIUM

Amplitude  Point of maximum displacement from the resting point (Equilibrium)  This measures the Energy of a wave AMPLITUDE

Wavelength (λ)  Distance or length of one full wave cycle (trough to trough or crest to crest)  It should be the same distance for each wavelength WAVELENGTH

Wave Frequency  How often a full wave cycle occurs, or the amount of time it takes for one full wave cycle to occur.  Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz)  Frequency also measures the pitch of a wave

Medium  The substance or “stuff” the wave travels through  For Example -Water -Air  There are no mediums in space!  This basically means NO SOUND!!  Light CAN travel without a medium.

Electromagnetic Radiation Waves  These come from the sun… -Radio Waves -Microwaves -Infrared (Heat waves) -Visible Light -UV Rays -X-Rays -Gamma Rays

Sound Waves  Cannot travel in space!  Change in amplitude=volume  Change in Wavelength=pitch

Two Types of Waves  Transverse Waves --These waves go side to side  LIGHT!!!  Longitudinal Waves --These waves push and pull  SOUND!!!

Electro-magnetic Waves vs. Mechanical Waves (WAVE FORMS)  Electro-magnetic  Is able to transmit energy through a vacuum  Does not need a medium  Travels faster with no medium  Mechanical  Can’t transmit energy through a vacuum  Need a medium