Waves

• Mechanical waves


  Waves that require mediums to transfer energy away from their source

  Includes:

  -Earthquake waves, which travel through layers in the Earth

  -Soundwaves, which travel through air, water, and solid matter
• Electromagnetic Waves 


  Waves that are a form of radiation that travels through a vacuum by oscillating electric and magnetic fields

  Includes:

  -radio waves

  -infrared

  -visible light
• What is a wavelength?

  The distance from one crest to another, or from one trough to another
• Crest is the highest point whereas the trough is the lowest
• What is the formula for wavelength?


  $\lambda=$${v}/{f}$
• Frequency (Hz) = number of complete cycles per second
• What is the amplitude of a transverse wave?

  It is the difference in height between the crest and the resting position
• A wave will travel at the same speed despite its frequency
• Radiant heat is invisible but dangerous
• white light reflects every visible colour while black absorbs every colour
• The more dense the material, the slower the speed of sound through that medium.