SSS TWO PHYSICS FIRST TERM WAVE MOTION

Definition of terms  A wave is a physical disturbance which travels through a medium and transfers energy from one point to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium itself

Types of wave  Transverse wave This is a wave in which the direction of travel of the wave is perpendicular to the direction of vibration of the medium. Examples are waves in a plucked string, water waves, light e.t.c.  Longitudinal wave This is a wave in which the direction of travel of the wave is parallel to the direction of vibration of the medium. Examples are sound, vibrating tuning fork e.t.c.

 Mechanical waves These are waves that require a material medium for their propagation e.g water waves, sound waves, waves on a rope or string e.t.c.  Electromagnetic waves These are waves under transverse wave that do not require a material medium for propagation e.g light waves, radio waves, x-rays, gamma rays, ultra – violet rays, visible spectrum, infra red rays e.t.c.  Travelling or progressive wave These are waves that spread out continuously.  Standing or stationary wave. This is when two progressive waves of equal amplitude and frequency are travelling in opposite directions and combine together e.g wave obtained by plucking a string at both ends.

Assignments  Give four differences between sound wave and radio wave.  State four conditions for production of stationary wave.  State four conditions for the formation of interference wave patterns.