• Waves transfer energy and

information but without transferring

matter
• The energy is transferred by
oscillations in the material which the
wave is travelling though
1) Mechanical Waves
Waves that pass though a material are vibrations
of that material
eg. Sound waves, seismic waves, strings

2) Electromagnetic Waves
Vibrating electrical or magnetic fields through
space (no material needed)
eg electromagnetic spectrum
 1. Longitudinal Waves

• Oscillations of particles occur parallel to direction of

travel. Examples include sound wave, seismic wave, etc.
 2. Transverse Wave

• Oscillations of particles takes place at right angles

(90o) perpendicular to direction of travel. Eg. radio
waves, X-rays, microwaves, water waves, and waves on
a string or wire.
PARTS OF A WAVE
Wavelength

crest
Amplitude
A

Trough
x
1 complete wave
KEY TERMS
Displacement (s) – the distance from the
equilibrium position
Wavelength (λ) – the distance between
consecutive crests or troughs.
Amplitude (A) – maximum displacement of a
particle (peak or trough max.)
Period (T) – time taken to complete one
oscillation. Measured in seconds (s).
Frequency (f) – the number of complete
oscillations in one second. Measured in Hertz (Hz)