Properties of Waves  Differentiate between longitudinal and transverse waves.  Describe waves in terms of frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and velocity.  Solve problems about waves.  Give examples of where waves are found. 1

Properties of Waves  A wave is a disturbance which transfers energy from the source to other places through which it passes.  A transverse wave is a wave where the direction of vibration is perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels.  e.g. waves on a rope, water waves, electromagnetic waves. PHeT – Waves on a String 2

Properties of Waves  A longitudinal wave is a wave where the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction in which the wave travels.  e.g. compression waves on a spring, sound waves. 3 by すじにくシチュー – public domain (edited) すじにくシチュー

Describing Waves  The top of a wave is called the crest or peak.  The bottom of a wave is called the trough.  The distance from the undisturbed position to the maximum disturbed position is called the amplitude, A.  One complete vibration is called an oscillation or cycle. 4

Describing Waves 5

VariableSymbolUnitUnit Symbol FrequencyfhertzHz Wavelengthλmetrem Velocityv or cmetre / secondm/s or m s -1 PeriodTseconds AmplitudeAdepends on type of wave - 6

Wave Velocity 7

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