Waves

Introduction to Waves:

 What are Waves?

 Waves are vibrations or disturbances that transfer energy without transferring matter from one place
to another.

 They can be seen in various forms, from water ripples to sound and light.

Types of Waves:
Transverse Waves:

 Definition: Transverse waves are waves in which the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave
travel.
 Examples: Light waves, ripples on water, electromagnetic waves.
 Characteristics:
o Crests (high points) and troughs (low points) represent the maximum and minimum points of the
wave, respectively.
o The wave motion is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Longitudinal Waves:

 Definition: Longitudinal waves are waves in which particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel.
 Examples: Sound waves, seismic waves.
 Characteristics:
o Compression (high-pressure regions) and rarefaction (low-pressure regions) are formed in the wave.
o The wave motion occurs in the same direction as the energy transfer.
Key Terms and Formulas:

Wavelength (λ):
 Definition: Wavelength is the distance between two successive points in a wave that are in phase.

 Symbol: λ

 Unit: Meters (m)

Frequency (ƒ):
 Definition: Frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point in a given time.

 Symbol: ƒ

 Unit: Hertz (Hz)

Amplitude
 The amplitude of a wave is the height of its peak above the midline.

One Hz means one cycle per second.

Time Period (T):

 Definition: Time period is the time taken for one complete wave to pass a point.

 Symbol: T

 Unit: Seconds (s)

Wave Speed (v):

(Relation between Velocity, Wavelength, and Frequency):

Definition: Wave speed is the speed at which the wave propagates through a medium.

Formula for Wave Speed (v):

Wave speed (v) is the product of wavelength (λ) and frequency (ƒ). Unit is meter per second (m/s).

v = ƒλ

v = λ/T (f=1/T)

To find Wavelength,

λ = v/f

λ = vT (T=1/f)
Numerical Problems:
Example 1: Calculate the wavelength of a wave traveling at a speed of 300 m/s with a frequency of 50 Hz.

 Given: Wave speed (v) = 300 m/s, Frequency (ƒ) = 50 Hz

 Formula: v = ƒλ

 Rearranging the formula to find wavelength: λ = v / ƒ

 Substituting the given values: λ = 300 m/s / 50 Hz = 6 meters

Example 2: If a wave has a wavelength of 8 meters and a frequency of 20 Hz, what is its wave speed?

 Given: Wavelength (λ) = 8 meters, Frequency (ƒ) = 20 Hz

 Formula: v = ƒλ

 Substituting the given values: v = 20 Hz * 8 meters = 160 m/s