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5 : WAVES

Standard content Learning standards

5.1 Fundamentals of Waves • Describe waves.
• State the types of waves.
• Compare transverse waves and longitudinal waves.
• Explain the characteristics of waves (a, T, f, λ, v).
• Sketch and interpret graphs: displacement - time and displacement - distance
• Determine wavelength, λ, frequency, f and wave speed, v.
5.2 Damping and Resonance • Describe damping and resonance for an oscillating / vibrating system.
• Justify the effects of resonance in our daily lives.
5.3 Reflection of Waves • Describe reflection of waves from the following aspects: i°, r°, λ, f, v, direction
of propagation of waves
• Draw a diagram to show the reflection of plane water waves by through a
plane reflector.
• Justify the application of reflection of waves in daily life.
• Solve problems involving reflection of waves.
5.4 Refraction of Waves • Describe refraction of waves from the following aspects: i°, r°, λ, f, v, direction
of propagation of waves
• Draw diagrams to show the refraction of waves for two different depths.
• Explain natural phenomena of refraction of waves in daily life.
• Solve problems involving refraction of waves.
5.5 Diffraction of Waves • Describe refraction of waves from the following aspects: λ, f, v, direction of
propagation of waves
• Determine factors affecting diffraction of waves.
• Draw diagrams to show the pattern of diffraction of water waves and the
effect of diffraction of light waves.
• Explain the applications of diffraction of waves in daily life.
5.6 Wave Interference • Explain the principle of superposition of waves.
• Describe the pattern of interference for water, sound and light waves
• Relate λ, a, x and D for the wave interference pattern.
• Solve problems involving interference of waves.
• Communicate on the applications of interference of waves in daily life.
5.7 Electromagnetic Waves • Characterise electromagnetic waves.
• State the components of the electromagnetic spectrum according to
wavelengths and frequencies.
• Communicate to explain about the applications of each component in the
electromagnetic spectrum in daily life.

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5.1 Fundamentals of waves
• Waves can be produced by an oscillating or a vibrating system.
• Oscillation and vibration: Repetitive motions about an equilibrium position in a closed path.
• Energy propagates without transfer of matter of the medium.

Summaries of types of waves

Progressive waves
• Transverse
propagation of wave profile • Longitudinal
Stationary waves
TYPES

Mechanical waves
medium for propagation
Electromagnetic waves

Propagation of wave profile

Progressive waves Stationary waves
t = 0.5 s
t = 0.5 s
t = 1.0 s

t = 1.5 s

t = 1.0 s

Profile of wave propagates with time along the Profile of wave does not propagate with time
direction of propagation of wave Musical instruments: guitar, ukulele, flute

Transverse waves

crest
• Particles of medium vibrates in the
direction perpendicular to the direction of
propagation of the wave
• Example: Water waves, light waves

trough

Longitudinal waves

compression
• Particles of medium vibrates in the
direction parallel to the direction of
propagation of the wave
• Example: Sound waves
rarefaction
5.1 Fundamentals of waves
Requirement of medium for propagation
Mechanical waves Electromagnetic waves

Requires medium to transfer energy Does not require medium to transfer energy
Made up of oscillating electric and magnetic
Made up of vibrating particles in a medium
fields perpendicular to one another

Example: water, seismic Example: radio, light, gamma

Features of waves

Wavelength
Crest
Amplitude Wavefront

Trough
Wavelength

Wavelength Wavelength

Explanation Symbol Unit

Wavefront • Line which joins the points in phase in a wave - -
Wavelength • Distance between two consecutive points in phase λ m
• Maximum displacement of a particle from its
Amplitude - m
equilibrium position
Frequency • Number of complete oscillations made by a particle in
one second
1 f Hz
𝑓= • Number of cycles of wave produces by a source in one
𝑇
second
Period • Time taken by a particle to make a complete
oscillation
1 T s
𝑇= • Time taken for a source of wave to produce one
𝑓
complete cycle of wave
Wave speed • Distance travelled per second by a wave profile v m/s

v : wave speed
𝑣 = 𝑓λ
f : frequency
λ : wavelength

Graph for waves

Displacement-time graph Displacement-distance graph

displacement
displacement

amplitude amplitude

time distance

period wavelength
Exercise

1. Leaf from a tree falls onto the surface of water. If the water wave is
propagating to the right, state the direction of motion of the leaf.

2. Pendulum completes 5 oscillation in 2 s. Calculate the period and the frequency of the pendulum.

3. State the amplitude and wavelength of the wave.

4 cm

6 cm

4. displacement / cm Find the;

a. Amplitude
5
b. Period
0 time / s
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 c. Frequency
-5

5. Sea waves hit the shore 15 times every minute. If the speed of the wave is 0.75 ms-1, calculate the
wavelength of the waves.

6. Diagrams shows displacement – time and displacement / cm

displacement – distance graphs of the same
wave. Based on the graphs, calculate the 5
speed of the wave.
0
0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2
time / s
-5

displacement / cm

0
1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
distance / cm
-5

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5.2 Damping and Resonance
Damping
Damping: Reduction in amplitude in an oscillating system due to loss of energy (frequency is constant)
External damping: loses energy to overcome friction or air resistance
Internal damping: loses energy due to stretching and compression of vibrating particles in a system

How to overcome damping?

displacement

• apply periodic external force on the

oscillating system
time • periodic force: acts at specific time
intervals (not continuously)
• this force will transfer energy into
T1 T2 system to replace energy lost
T1 = T 2 , f 1 = f 2

Resonance
Natural frequency: Frequency of oscillating system without external forces
Resonance: When a periodic force is applied to an oscillating system at its natural frequency, causing
the system to oscillate at maximum amplitude

Situation 1 Situation 2
F = 10 Hz F = 5 Hz
5 Hz
5 Hz 5 Hz
Let’s say, the
natural frequency Frequency of natural Frequency of natural
≠ =
of wave is 5 Hz periodic force frequency periodic force frequency
Resonance does not happen Resonance happens

Demonstrations of resonance

• When X oscillates, it transfers energy to all

pendulums, causing them to oscillate.
F • Length of string of pendulum X is equal to
C length of string E.
A • Pendulum X and E has the same natural
B
frequency
X E
• Pendulum E undergoes resonance.
D
• Pendulum E oscillates with the largest
amplitude.
Effects of Resonance in Daily Life

• Collapse of Tacoma Narrows bridge in Washington

• Unexpected oscillations of The London Millennium
• Footbridge Tuning of musical instruments.

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Exercise
1. Alex swings himself on the swing. He notices that after some time, the swing
stops. Explain why.

2. Which one is the more accurate displacement – time graph to represent damping?
displacement

displacement
time time

4. An opera singer is performing in front of an audience. After a while, her voice causes glass to
shatter. Using your knowledge of resonance, explain this phenomenon.

5. Diagram shows tuning fork with the same frequency. When tuning fork A is struck, tuning
fork B produces a sound even without being struck.
0.8 cm

A B

a. What is the meaning of resonance?

b. Explain why tuning fork B produces a sound even without being struck.

c. What is the amplitude?

d. If the frequency of the tuning fork is 500 Hz and speed of sound wave in air is 330 ms-1,
calculate the wavelength of sound wave.

6
5.3 Reflection of waves
Characteristics of wave Effects after reflection
Angle Incident angle, i° = reflected angle, r°
Wavelength no change
r°
i° Frequency no change
Wave speed no change
Direction of propagation change

Application of reflection of waves

(Refer textbook – page 192)
• Ultrasonic waves: To examine fetus and internal organs (sonography / ultrasound)
• Radio waves: Communication satellites by parabolic dish, focused onto antenna on feed horn
• SONAR: Uses ultrasonic reflection to detect areas with fish
• Sound waves: Pattern of reflected sound waves due to different rocks enable to identify areas with
sources of natural gas (seismic survey)

Solving Problems Involving Reflected Waves

v speed of sound
D : depth / distance
𝑣𝑡
𝐷= v : wave speed t time for echo to be heard
2

wall
t : time
D distance between source and wall

Exercise
1. Diagram shows wavefronts of water waves propagating towards the barrier. After the wave reaches
the barrier, the wave will be reflected.

a. Sketch the wavefronts of the reflected wave.

b. If the speed of the incoming wave is 15 cms-1, calculate
the frequency.

c. Velocity of waves is constant after reflection.

true false

2. A ship uses ultrasonic waves to determine depth of the sea. Time interval between the transmission
of wave and receiving of the echo is 0.8 s. If the wave speed is 1500 ms-1, calculate the depth.

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5.4 Refraction of waves
• Change in direction of propagation of wave caused by the change in the velocity of waves when the
waves propagates from one medium to another.

• Different waves have different factors that affects their speed.

• water waves : depth of water
• sound waves : density of air i°
• light waves : optical density of medium deep

shallow
deep shallow
speed faster slower r°
wavelength longer shorter
direction away normal towards normal

F A S T : Fast away, Slow towards

Steps to draw refracted waves

Diagram shows water wave propagating from deep to

shallow region. Based on your knowledge of refraction
of waves, sketch the wavefront on shallow region.

• Draw the line that represent direction of propagation

1 of wave - 90⁰ from wavefront
• Sketch normal line - 90⁰ from boundary

• Wave propagates into shallow region, become slower

2
• Draw refracted wave closer towards normal

• Draw wavefront in shallow region- 90⁰ from

direction of propagation of wave
3
• Lines of wavefront should be closer to each other as
wavelength is shorter

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 5.4 Refraction of waves
Refraction of Waves in Daily Life

Refraction of sound waves

During the day During the night

• layer of air right above ground is warmer • layer of air right above ground is cooler
• sound moves faster in warm air • sound moves slower in cold air
• sound is refracted away from ground • sound is refracted towards ground
• sound not clear to observer • sound clearer to observer

Refraction of sea waves

• cape is shallow region while bay is deep region

Bay
• at cape, wave is slower so the wavelength is shorter Cape
Cape
• at bay, wave is faster so wavelength is longer
• the difference in wavelength cause the wavefront
to curve and follow shape of shore line
• energy converge towards cape, diverge from bay
• amplitude at cape is bigger than bay

Solving Problems Involving Refraction of Waves

rearrange 𝑣
Wave speed, 𝑣 = 𝑓𝜆 𝑓=
𝜆
deep region shallow region deep region
Since frequency is constant, 𝑓1 = 𝑓2

glass block
𝑣1 𝑣2
=
The speed and wavelength of wave in deep region is 5 cms-1 and
2cm 𝜆1 𝜆2
respectively. If the speed of the wave in shallow region is 2.5 cms-1,
calculate the wavelength in the shallow region.
𝑣1 𝑣2 5 2.5
= = 𝜆 = 1 𝑐𝑚
𝜆1 𝜆2 2 𝜆2

deep shallow
region region

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Exercise
1. Diagram shows water wave in
deeper region approaching
shallow region. Complete the
diagram by drawing. Extend your
drawing to include the wavefronts
after it has passes the shallow
region back into deep region.

2. Your school’s Recreation Club plans a camping trip. One of your friend
suggested that it is best to camp near a cape. As a physics student,
explain to your friend why it is safer to camp near bay.

3. If the speed of the wave in deep region is 2.5 cms-1, calculate 5.0 cm 5.0 cm
the speed in the shallow region.

deep region shallow region

glass block

4.
Region X Region y Diagram shows sea water approaching the
land. Based on the diagram, answer the
following question.

a. For region X and Y, compare; b. State the relationship between

i. Depth i. Depth and wavelength of wave
ii. Speed
iii. Wavelength ii. Depth and speed of wave
iv. Amplitude

c. If the speed and wavelength in region Y is 20 ms-1 and 4 m respectively, calculate the wave
speed in region Y if the wavelength is 1.5 m.

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5.5 Diffraction of waves
• Spreading of waves when the waves propagate through a slit or side of a barrier.

• Factors affecting diffraction:

Characteristics of wave Effects after diffraction
Wavelength
Wavelength no change
• Wavelength ↑ diffraction ↑
• Wavelength ↓ diffraction ↓ Frequency no change
Wave speed no change
Size of slit
• Size of slit ↑ diffraction ↓ Amplitude change - decrease
• Size of slit ↓ diffraction ↑ Direction of propagation change - spreads

Diffraction of water waves

Smaller slit Wider slit

• Waves more diffracted • Waves less diffracted

• Spreading of waves is • Spreading of waves is
more significant less significant

Long wavelength Short wavelength

• Waves more diffracted • Waves less diffracted

• Spreading of waves is • Spreading of waves is
more significant less significant

Diffraction of light waves

• Wavelengths of light waves are very short, need very small slit to show effect of diffraction.

• Different colour of light has different wavelength.

Red
Longest wavelength,
Orange most diffracted

Yellow

λ↑f↓ Green

Blue

Indigo Shortest wavelength,

least diffracted
Violet
5.5 Diffraction of waves
Diffraction of sound waves
• Spreading of sound waves through side of a barrier reduce the amplitude.

• Sounds become softer.

› Low frequency sound have longer wavelength

› Sound is more diffracted

› More spreading around the barrier

Wall of building › The girl can hear the sound

› High frequency sound have shorter wavelength

› Sound is less diffracted

› Less spreading around the barrier Wall of building

› The girl cannot hear the sound

Diffraction of Waves in Daily Life

(Refer textbook – page 208)

Water waves Light waves Sound waves

Embankment barrier allows Diffraction of light produces Infrasonic waves (low

diffraction that produces hologram used for safety frequency, long wavelength)
calm water region suitable features on bank cards. produced by elephants can
for docking ships and water travel long distance,
recreational activities. allowing for communication
Exercise
1. Irfan conducts an experiment using several colored light. She points the laser through a narrow slit
and observes the pattern formed on screen. Diagram shows the pattern when green light is used.
Draw possible patterns if the green light is replaced with orange and blue light.

Green Orange Blue

2. Yussup is standing behind a door. In terms of wavelength of light and sound

waves and their effect on diffraction, explain why he cannot see the cat but is
able to hear its meow.

3. Diagram shows water wave in a container passing through a slit. If more water is added into the
container, making the depth of water increase, predict the change in the pattern of diffraction.
Explain your answer.

Explanation:

Before After

4. Retaining walls are placed near harbor to keep the boats from
being damaged by water waves. As an engineer, you are asked
to suggests the characteristics of good retaining wall. Justify
your answer.
• Height
• Material
• Thickness
• Surface (smooth / grooved)
• Size of opening
• Any other relevant characteristics

13
5.6 Interference of waves
• Principles of superposition of waves: When two waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the sum
of individual displacements of the two waves.

• Coherent waves: same frequency, phase difference is constant

• Interference of waves: Superposition of two or more waves from a coherent source of wave.

Constructive interference
During superposition

Waves from the left Waves from the right

A+A=2A

-A+(-A)=-2A
Waves from the left Waves from the right
During superposition

Destructive interference

Waves from the left Waves from the right

During superposition
A+(-A)=0

Formula for interference

D : perpendicular distance between the source and position where x is measured

x : distance between the two adjacent nodal or antinodal lines
a : distance between the two coherent sources
λ : wavelength
x Nodal
line
Antinodal
line

𝑎𝑥 Node
𝜆 =
𝐷
Antinode D
Antinodes:
points constructive
interference occurs

Nodes:
point where destructive λ
interference occurs.
a
5.6 Interference of waves
Interference of water waves
distance of between the two
adjacent nodal or antinodal lines Floating ball
Water
distance between dippers
and where x is measured

• When crest meets another crest, the

combined amplitude is at its maximum.
The displacement is maximum.
• When crest meets trough, the
combined amplitude is zero. The
wavelength of displacement is zero.
water waves
distance between
two dippers
Interference of light waves

distance between two consecutive

bright or dark fringes
x Dark fringes:
distance between Produced by destructive
a
two slits interference

Bright fringes:
Produced by constructive
interference

𝑎𝑥
According to formula 𝜆 =
𝐷
, λ is directly proportional to x. λ↑x↑

Red
Longest wavelength,
Orange largest x value.
Yellow

λ↑f↓ Green

Blue

Indigo Shortest wavelength,

smallest x value.
Violet
5.6 Interference of waves
Interference of sound waves

x distance between
two loud sounds
Produced by constructive interference

a distance between
two loudspeakers x distance between
two soft sounds
Produced by destructive interference

D
distance between loudspeaker
and point the sound is heard

Applications of Interference of Waves in Daily Life

(Refer textbook – page 218)

Water waves Light waves Sound waves

Bulbous bow generates water Anti-reflection lens has coating Microphone and transmitter
waves which interferes that cause reflected light to system in head phones in planes
destructively with waves have destructive interference. produces sound waves that
around hull. Creates calmer This improves vision. cause destructive interference
water around ship, less water with surrounding noise
drag.
Exercise
1. If the distance between the two dippers is
5 cm, calculate the wavelength.

0.5 m

0.4 m

2. A student conducted Young’s double slit experiment L

to learn about interference of light. Wavelength of
red light is 650 nm.

a. Calculate the value of L.

b. Tick (✓) correct pattern if the experiment is repeated using blue light. Explain your answer.

Explanation:

Red light

3. You are involved in planning a hall that is suitable for events such as movie screenings, conferences
and live theatre performances. Describe the suitable features of the hall.

• Features of wall and furniture

• Power of speaker
• Position of speaker
› in front / behind microphone
• Height of speaker placement
• Distance between loudspeaker
• Placement of seats

17
 (History of EM: Refer textbook– page 220)
5.7 Electromagnetic waves

• Waves made up of an electric field and a magnetic field that oscillate perpendicularly to one another
• Characteristics of electromagnetic waves: Magnetic field, B

› transverse wave
› does not require medium for propagation
› can propagate through vacuum
› speed is 3x108 ms-1 in vacuum, Electric field, E

› undergoes reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference

• Frequency is directly proportional to energy carried by electromagnetic wave

Wavelength decrease, frequency increase

Radio Microwave Infrared Visible light Ultraviolet X-ray Gamma rays

Wavelength increase, frequency decrease

Applications of Electromagnetic Waves

(Refer textbook– page 222)

Type of wave Applications

• Long distance radio communication • Local TV and radio
Radio • Millimeter-wave machine to scan body • Wireless communication (Bluetooth,
of passenger at airport Wifi, Zigbee, Z-wave)

• International communication (satellite)

• Detection of plane radar and speed trap
• Mobile phone framework
Microwave • Cooking (microwave oven)
• Communication between electronic
• GPS
device (Bluetooth, Wifi, Zigbee, Z-wave)

• Cooking (Oven, grill, toaster)

• Night vision (infrared binocular, • Treatment of muscle pain
Infrared
camera) • Remote control device
• Drying paint on car

• For sight • Laser light used to cut metal, measure

Visible light • Photography land, send information through optical
• Photosynthesis in green plant fibres

• Harden tooth filling material • Purification of drinking water

Ultraviolet • Detecting counterfeit money • Sterilising surgical instruments and food
• Treatment of jaundice in baby • Insect traps

• Detect fractures or broken bones • Bag scanning in airport

X-ray
• Checking for welding connections • Determine authenticity in paintings

• Kill cancer cells in radiotherapy • Sterilisation of surgical and medical

Gamma rays
• Make food last longer in food industry equipment in bulk
Exercise
1. Wave A Wave B Wave C Wave D Wave E Wave F Wave G

a. State the name for all the waves.

A: B: C: D:

E: F: G:

b. Compare the following characteristics of waves

i. Wavelength of D and E
ii. Frequency of B and D
iii. Energy of C and F
iv. Speed of wave A and E

2. Image shows laser reflecting panel on the Moon. Laser light

pulses from the Earth will be reflected back to Earth by the
retroreflector. If the distance between the Earth and the
Moon is 384 400 km, calculate time taken for reflected
laser to reach Earth.

Image source: NASA

3. Calculate the frequency of UV ray that has wavelength of 300 nm.

4. RADAR can be used to detect and locate objects. Waves are radiated out from the radar into free
space and will be reflected by objects. Object’s location can be obtained from the reflected wave.
Based on the following characteristics, explain modifications that can be applied to improve its
efficiency.
• Size of parabolic disc
• Distance between signal receiver and parabolic disc
• Surface of parabolic disc
• Location of the parabolic disc
• Types of wave used

Signal
receiver

Parabolic disc

19