1. Wave Notes

2. What is a wave?
Wave–A disturbance that carries energy from one place to another.

3. Mechanical Waves 1. Transverse waves—up/down (shaking a rope)
carry mechanical energy, move things
need a medium to travel through like air, water, solids
Come in 3 shapes:
1. Transverse waves—up/down (shaking a rope)
2. Longitudinal waves—push/pull (sound waves)
3. Surface waves—circular (ocean waves)

4. Electromagnetic Waves
Electromagnetic energy only—just light!
Don’t need a medium, can travel through a vacuum like outer space.
Only transverse shaped
Examples: light, x-rays, microwaves

5. Characteristics of Waves
Crest
Wavelength
Amplitude
Resting Point
Trough

6. Characteristics of Waves
Frequency– # of wavelengths (crest + trough) per second. Measured in Hertz (Hz).
–Equation: # of wavelengths # of seconds
12 Sec

7. Why do some waves have more energy than others?
Energy of waves
Bigger amplitude = more energy
Shorter wavelength = more energy
Greater frequency = more energy
Why do some waves have more energy than others?