Physical Science CHAPTER 23 Waves
Waves transmit energy!!! Mechanical Vs. Electromagnetic Waves
Mechanical Waves Need medium (gas, liquid, solid) Examples: Sound, water waves
Electromagnetic Waves No medium needed. Example: Visible Light (ROYGBIV), Ultraviolet, Infrared, Microwaves, etc…
3 main characteristics of all Waves 1. Amplitude (high amplitude means high energy) 2. Wavelength (Unit: meters) 3. Frequency Units: cycles/sec Waves/sec 1/s Hertz (Hz)
Frequency Example Problem 1.A boy standing on a dock counts 20 waves pass by in 5 seconds. What is the frequency of the waves? f = #waves / time 20 waves / 5 seconds = 4 Hz
Frequency Example Problem #2 2.If the frequency of the waves is increased to 8 Hz, how many waves will pass by the boy in 2 seconds? f = #waves / time 8 Hz = #waves / 2 seconds 8 Hz x 2 seconds = 16 waves
MECHANICAL WAVES (2 TYPES) TRANSVERSE WAVES LONGITUDINAL WAVES
SURFACE WAVES
TRANSVERSE WAVE
LONGITUDINAL WAVE
SPEED OF WAVES speed = frequency x wavelength v = f x λ Example #1 A wave on a lake is traveling with a velocity of 8 m/s. the frequency is 2 Hz. What is the wavelength of this wave? 8 m/s = 2 Hz x λ λ = 4 m
The Type Of Medium Determines the Speed of The WAVE!! Higher Density = Slower Speed of Wave Higher Elasticity = Faster Speed of Wave
THE 4 BASIC WAVE INTERACTIONS ARE: 1. REFLECTION 2. REFRACTION 3. DIFFRACTION 4. INTERFERENCE
1. REFLECTION Bouncing back of waves upon reaching another surface.
THE LAW OF REFLECTION STATES THAT THE ANGLE OF INCIDENCE IS EQUAL TO THE ANGLE OF REFLECTION.
2. REFRACTION Bending of waves due to a change in speed.
3. DIFFRACTION Bending of waves around the edge of an obstacle.
4. INTERFERENCE 1. CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE When waves combine and produce a wave that is greater than either of the waves alone.
2. DESTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE When waves combine and produce a wave that is less than either wave alone.
Applet Interference by 3 waves simultaneously. Another wave website to look at:
STANDING WAVES RESONANT FREQUENCY (or natural frequency) The frequency at which a standing wave occurs.
RESONANCE The ability of an object to vibrate by absorbing energy of its own natural frequency. Video clip of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge November
NODES Stationary points of a standing wave. ANTINODES Loops of a standing wave where maximum oscillation of the medium occurs.