Bell Ringer 4-28-10 A wave is a disturbance that transfers ______. A ______ wave requires a medium to travel through. Name the two types of mechanical waves and give an example of each.

Review

Sound Waves Longitudinal Waves

Sound Waves

Chapter 15 Section 2 Properties of Waves

Waves are Different Fast or slow Short or long Carry a little energy or a lot of energy

4 Basic Properties Of Waves Amplitude Wavelength Frequency Speed

Amplitude The amplitude is the height of the wave. The more energy a wave has, the greater its amplitude.

Crest and Trough The section of the wave that rises above the undisturbed position is called the crest. That section which lies below the undisturbed position is called the trough.

Wavelength The wavelength is the distance from one wave top, or crest, to the next.

Frequency Frequency is the number of complete waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time. (how often a wave occurs) This is usually described as how many waves are made per second, or as cycles per second. Example: If ten waves are made per second, then the frequency is said to be ten cycles per second, written as 10 cps. Frequency is measured in units called Hertz (Hz).

Speed = Wavelength x Frequency The speed of the wave is how far the wave travels in a given length of time. Ex: Light waves travel much ________ than sound waves. Speed = Wavelength x Frequency

Sound Waves