Properties of waves

• Waves


  Transfer energy not matter
• Longitudinal waves

  • Vibrations are parallel to the direction of travel
• Transverse waves

  • Vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of travel
• Mechanical waves


  • cause oscillations in solids, liquids or gases
• Electromagnetic waves


  • cause oscillations in electrical and magnetic fields
• Medium


  Material which a wave is transmitted through
• Amplitude


  Maximum displacement of a wave
• Wavelength


  Distance covered by a full cycle of the wave
• Frequency


  Number of cycles per second
• Measuring waves in water

  • Use a ripple tank to measure and colorate frequency, wavelength and the speed of waves on the surface of water
• Measuring waves in a solid

  • Attach a string or cord to a vibration generator and use a charging mass to pull the string down. Place wooden bridge under the string. Switch on generator, adjust wooden bridge until waves can be observed. Measure length of half wavelength, divide by the number recorded and then double to give the wavelength. Frequency is the frequency of power supply