Regents Physics

Wave Oscillations that travel Carry information and energy Have cycles, frequency, and amplitude

Wave Because waves travel they also have: Wavelength (λ): length of one complete cycle - distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next cycle - Units: meters(m) Speed (v): how fast the energy is transmitted

Mechanical Waves Waves that require a medium through which to travel *medium = material

Mechanical Waves Amplitude (A): the maximum displacement from equilibrium of the particles of the medium through which the wave travels Frequency (f): number of cycles completed by the particles of the medium as the energy is transmitted

Mechanical waves Pulse: a short length of wave (generally ≤ 1 λ)

Mechanical Waves Transverse Wave: particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of motion of the energy Crest: high point (a.k.a. wave front) Trough: low point

Mechanical Waves Longitudinal Wave: particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of motion of the energy Rarefaction: where particles are spread the farthest Compression: where particles are closest together wavelength Direction of travel

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Phase Particles being affected by the same wave can be in or out of phase A DB C B and D are A and B are B and C are B and D are in phase A and B are 90˚ out of phase B and C are 180˚ out of phase

Phase Multiple waves can be in phase or out of phase with each other also A B C A and B are A and C are A and B are in phase A and C are 270˚ out of phase

Wave Speed v = fλ = dd = distance energy travels tt = time energy travels = (Hz)(m) = m/s = 1 (m)= m/s s= m/s

Dependencies 1. Speed depends on the medium (material through which the energy is travelling) 2. Frequency depends on the source (whatever is providing the vibrating energy) Therefore, wavelength depends on speed and frequency through v = fλ