A wave is a rhythmic disturbances that transfer energy

through matter or space.

A wave does work on everything in

its path.

Wave Classification

Mechanical Wave -- Waves that require a medium (matter)

Electromagnetic Waves -- Waves that do not require a medium (matter)

A medium may be a gas, a solid, or a liquid. Simply put a medium is the

material through which a wave transfer energy.

Waves that require a medium

Examples

1. Ocean waves 2. Earthquakes

Waves that require a medium

Cause rhythmic disturbance in the medium

• Travel through medium • Transmit energy • Leave the medium

unchanged after the wave passes

Waves that require a medium

Examples 1. Radio waves 2. Visible light

Waves that require a medium

Examples 1. Radio waves 2. Visible light

Waves that require a medium

These waves do not require matter for transfer energy. Can travel through outer space or a vacuum.

Waves that DO NOT REQUIRE

a medium

NOW REMEMBER…

There are two types of waves: 1.Mechanical Waves 2.Electromagnetic Waves

Wave type is based on whether or not the wave needs a medium to travel through.

1. Different Movements of Waves 2. Physical Characteristics a Transverse Wave 3. Calculation of Wave Velocity

• Transverse waves – Medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave

• Longitudinal or Compressional Waves – Medium moves in the same direction as the waves are moving

Transverse waves – Medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave

Longitudinal or Compressional Waves – Medium moves in the same direction as the waves are moving

Now Remember…

There are two types of waves: 1.Mechanical Waves 2.Electromagnetic Waves

AND…

Waves are classified by the way they travel 1.Transverse Waves 2.Longitudinal or Compressional Waves

A.Crest - The highest point of a wave

B. Trough - The lowest point of a wave

Wavelength -- The distance between a point on one wave and the identical point on the next wave.

Wavelength -- Represented by the Greek letter lambda λ

Amplitude -- The distance from the crest or trough of a wave to the rest position.

Frequency - The number of waves crests of a wave that pass one place in one second

Frequency is measure in hertz (Hz). One hertz = one wave per second

Frequency is represented by the letter f.

Example A: If ten wave crest pass a point every five seconds, what is the frequency of the wave?

Example A: If ten wave crest pass a point every five seconds, what is the frequency of the wave?

f = ten waves / 5 seconds f = 2 hertz