IPC Notes Wave Properties
Definitions reflection – the bouncing back of a wave ex) your reflection in a mirror & a sound echoes
Definitions refraction – the bending of a wave caused by a change in medium ex) objects look distorted under water
Definitions diffraction – occurs when an object causes a wave to change direction and bend around it ex) ocean waves change direction after striking an island
Definitions resonance – the ability of an object to vibrate by absorbing energy at its natural frequency ex) a wine glass vibrating
The Tacoma Bridge
Calculations V = f x λ V = velocity (m/s) f = frequency (Hertz – Hz) λ = wavelength (m)
Calculations 1. A wave travels with a velocity of 10 m/s and a frequency of 5 Hz. What is the wavelength?
Calculations 2. An ocean wave has a length of 9 meters and a frequency of 3 Hz. What is the velocity?
Calculations 3. A wave has a wavelength of 8 meters and a velocity of 56 m/s. What is the frequency?