1. Nature of Waves

2. Waves
Disturbances that travels through matter or space, accompanied by a transfer of energy
Most move through a medium (matter made of molecules that take up space) Ex: Water, air
Called Mechanical Waves

3. Waves
A wave that consists of oscillating (moving back and forth) electric magnetic fields do not require a medium to travel through.
Called electromagnetic waves
All types of radiant (electromagnetic/light) energy on the electromagnetic spectrum travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
Vacuum – area without any matter (example: space)
Electromagnetic spectrum – consists of electromagnetic waves at all possible energies, frequencies and wavelengths

4. Types of Waves
Determined by the way the medium is disturbed.

5. Transverse Waves
Move at right angles to the direction of the wave (up and down)
Crest- highest point of the wave
Trough- lowest point of the wave

7. Longitudinal Waves Move in the same direction as the medium.
Compression- part of the wave where particles are close together.
Rarefaction- part of the wave where particles are spread apart.

8.                                   \

10. Wave Behavior
All waves have energy, height, speed, length, and frequency, but not necessarily the same amount.
Sound and radiant (light/electromagnetic) energy travel in all directions outward from the source

11. Transverse wave - distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.
Wavelength
Transverse wave - distance between two consecutive crests or troughs.

13. Wavelength
Longitudinal wave- distance between consecutive compressions or rarefactions.

14.                                   \

15. Amplitude
Vertical distance between the line of origin and each crest or trough.
Related to how much energy the wave transfers.
High amplitude= high energy
Low amplitude = low energy

17. Frequency
# of wavelengths that pass a point in a given amount of time.
Standard unit of measurement= Hertz (Hz)
1Hz = 1 wave/sec

18. Wave speed how fast the wave is moving.
Wave speed = frequency X Wavelength