Chapter 1 – Waves

Waves

A TYPE OF DISTURBANCE produced by an oscillating or vibrating motion in which a

point or body moves back and forth along a line about a fixed central point produces
waves.

Wavefront

LINE OR PLANE on which the vibrations of every points are in phase and are at the
same distance from the source of the wave.
In phase = same direction, same displacemen

Transverse Wave

WAVE in which the vibration of particles in the medium isperpend ic ul ar to the

direction of propagation of the wave
(water waves, light waves, electromagnetic waves)

Longitudinal Wave

WAVE in which the vibration of particles in the medium is parallel to the direction of
propagation of the wave
(sound waves, ultrasound)

Amplitude
MAXIMUM DISPLACEMENT form its equilibrium position
MEASURE of height of the wave crest or depth of the wave trough.
Period
TIME TAKEN to complete an oscillation, from one extreme point to the other and back
to the same position.
Frequency
NUMBER OF COMPLETE OSCILLATIONS made by a vibrating system in one second
Wavelength, λ
DISTANCE between successive points of the same phase in a wave
Damping

DECREASE in the amplitude of an oscillating system is called damping.

(Internal damping: extension and compression of molecules
External damping: frictional force/ air resistance)

a ↓ ; f=
Resonance
Resonance occurs when a system is made to oscillate at a frequency equivalent to its
natural frequency by an external force. The resonating system oscillates at its
maximum amplitude.
Natural frequency
FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY of which an object vibrates. It is the frequency of a system
which oscillates freely without external force
Reflection of wave
Reflection of wave occurs when a wave strike an obstacle
direction ≠ ; f = ; a = ; λ =
Refraction of wave
Refraction of wave occurs when a wave travel from one medium to another
f = ; v ≠ ; λ ≠ ; direction ≠
Diffraction of wavesPHENOMENON in which waves spread out as they passed through an
aperture or round
a small circle
f = ; λ = ; speed = ; v ≠ ; direction ≠
Interference of
waves
SUPERPOSITION of two waves originating from twoc oherent sources
coherent = same frequency, amplitude and in phase
Constructive
interference
Constructive interference occurs when the both crests or both troughs of both waves
coincide to produce a wave with crests and troughs of maximum amplitude
Destructive
interference

Destructive interference occurs when the crest of one wave coincides with the trough
of the other wave, thus cancelling each other with the result that the resultant
amplitude is zero.