Waves - The Transfer of Energy (Approx.

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Waves are a disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without the
actual movement of matter in the medium. Here's what we need to know:

Types of Waves: There are two main categories:

Transverse Waves: Particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of
wave propagation (e.g., light waves, water waves).
Longitudinal Waves: Particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of
wave propagation (e.g., sound waves).
Wave Properties: Wavelength (λ) - distance between two consecutive identical points
on a wave; Frequency (f) - number of wave cycles passing a point per unit time;
Amplitude (A) - maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position; Wave
Speed (v) - the rate at which the wave disturbance propagates, related to
wavelength and frequency by v = fλ.
Reflection and Refraction: When a wave encounters a barrier, it can reflect (bounce
back) or refract (bend) depending on the properties of the medium.