Waves AS

• amplitude - the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
• wavelength - the minimum distance between a point on a wave and the same point on the next wave. These points are said to be in phase.
• wavefront - each wavefront is the peak of a transverse wave or the compression of a longitudinal wave as seen from above.
• frequency - the number of waves produced each second (Hertz, Hz)
• A wave is a means of transferring energy and information from one point to another without the transfer of matter.
• A wave is a regular pattern of disturbance.
• Progressive waves: there is a net place to place.
• Stationary waves: there is no net transfer of energy and from place to place.
• Similarities of transverse and longitudinal waves:

  • progressive waves
  • transfer energy and information
  • particles oscillate around an equilibrium position
• Differences of transverse and longitudinal waves:

  • oscillations are perpendicular to direction of energy transfer in transverse waves, but parallel in longitudinal waves
  • transverse waves contain peaks and troughs, whereas longitudinal waves contain areas of compression and rarefaction.
• longitudinal waves - oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave energy.
• transverse waves - oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave energy.
• period (T) - The time taken for one wave to pass a point. It is measured in seconds.
• T = 1/f
• f = 1/T
• Progressive wave characteristics:

  • Energy progresses in space
  • All points oscillate with the same amplitude
  • All points in one wavelength are out of phase with each other
• Stationary Wave characteristics:

  • Energy doesn't progress in space
  • Amplitude varies from zero (node) to maximum (antinode)
  • Between nodes = in phase
  • Outside of nodes = out of phase