Waves Notes
What is a wave? A disturbance that transfers energy. Some types of waves require a medium to travel through while others don’t. A medium is matter that a wave travels through (solid, liquid, gas). Resting position
Different types of waves: Sound waves and water waves travel through matter (mechanical waves). Other waves, like visible light, microwaves, X-rays, and radio waves, travel through empty space, as well as through matter (electromagnetic waves).
The peak, or highest point, of a transverse wave What is a crest? The peak, or highest point, of a transverse wave Crest
The valley, or lowest point, of a transverse wave What is a trough? The valley, or lowest point, of a transverse wave Trough
What is a wavelength? The distance from any point on one wave to a corresponding point on an adjacent wave (ex. crest to crest or trough to trough) Wavelength Wavelength
What is frequency? The number of oscillations produced in a certain amount of time. The greater the number of oscillations per second, the higher the frequency. The higher the frequency, the more energy carried by the wave. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). One Hertz is equal to one wave per second. Low frequency High frequency Low energy High energy
What is amplitude? The distance a wave oscillates from its resting position (is also known as the “height” of a wave). The larger the amplitude, the more energy carried by the wave. Large amplitude Small amplitude Low energy High energy