Wave Properties Chapter 14.2 Page 381

Wave Properties Both particles and waves carry energy. – Particles move with the energy – Waves carry energy WITHOUT transferring matter A wave is a disturbance that carries energy through matter or space. Newton’s laws of motion and principles of conservation of energy also govern the motion of waves.

Mechanical Waves Facts: Require a medium. Many other waves cannot be seen so mechanical waves are used as models. Types: Transverse – vibrates perpendicular to the direction of wave’s motion. – Wave pulse – disturbance that travels trough medium – Periodic wave – moves up and down at same rate. Longitudinal – disturbance is parallel to the direction of the wave’s motion. – Sound waves – fluids Surface – particles move in direction both parallel and perpendicular to the direction of wave motion

Transverse Wave Longitudinal Wave Surface Wave

Measuring a Wave Speed – depends only on the medium through which the waves travels. Amplitude – depends on how it is generated, but not on speed. Greater amplitude, greater energy. Wavelength – shortest distance between points where the wave pattern repeats. – Trough – lowest point on a wave – Crest – highest point on a wave Phase – any two points on a wave that are one or more whole wavelengths apart. Period/frequency – the time it takes for the motion of the wave to complete one cycle.