1. Wave Properties

2. Waves
A wave is simply a localized vibration that is propagated over a distance usually through a medium.
A wave is one way of transmitting energy through space, whereas an oscillator’s energy is
localized in space.

3. Wave Characteristics
Amplitude (A) - the magnitude of the maximum displacement, or the maximum distance, from the particle’s equilibrium position. [meters - m]
Wavelength (λ) - the distance between
successive crests (or troughs) of a periodic wave. [meters - m]

4. Wave Characteristics

5. Wave Characteristics
Frequency (f ) - the number of waves per second [Hertz - Hz]
Period (T) - the time for one complete waveform/wavelength to pass a given point. [Seconds - s]

6. Wave Characteristics
Wave Speed(v) - the speed at which any particular point (such as the crest) on the wave travels through space. [m/s]
If the direction of the wave is given, you can report the wave speed as wave velocity.

7. Types of Waves
Transverse Wave - particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation/velocity.

8. Types of Waves
Longitudinal Wave – (Compression Wave) particle motion is parallel to the direction of wave propagation/velocity.

9. Wave Types
Electromagnetic - a combination of electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
* Does not required a medium
* A polarized E-M wave (e.g., polarized lenses)

10. Principle of Superposition
At any time, the combined waveform of two or more interfering waves is given by the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at any point in the medium.

11. Interference
When the result of superposition results in a wave of increased magnitude, it is called constructive interference.
When the result of superposition results in a wave of decreased magnitude, it is called destructive interference.

13. Spring (Literal) & PhET (simulation)
Demo
Spring (Literal) & PhET (simulation)
Interference PhET

14. Other Wave Properties
Reflection
Refraction Dispersion Diffraction

15. Reflection
How is this different from particles?

16. Refraction A wave changes direction due to a change in velocity
How is this different from a
particle?

17. Another refraction example
Water waves travel faster on the surface of deep water than shallow. The change in speed of the wave causes refraction (Slower in deep bc same frequency has smooched in to smaller volume.

18. Dispersion
Spreading out :-)
How is this different from a particle?

19. Diffraction
A change in the direction of a wave due to contact with a physical object.
Either through an opening or around a barrier in its
path
How is this different from a particle?