Wave Properties

Chapter 10 Section 2: Glencoe

Pages 294-299
I. Wave properties
 A. Transverse waves look like a sine curve (looks
like an “S” on its side)
- example drawing – all parts labeled
I. Wave properties

 Transverse wave picture

- sine waves with the shape of a sine curve

B. Parts of a transverse wave
1. Crest – highest point on a transverse wave
2. Trough – lowest point on a transverse wave
3. Amplitude – greatest distance a particle is
displaced from its normal resting position
B. Parts of a transverse wave
4. Wavelength – distance between 2
successive identical points on a wave
 symbol =  (lambda) measured in meters
Wave Properties

5. Period (T) – time required for one full wavelength to

pass a certain point (measured in seconds)

6. Frequency (f)– number of wavelengths that pass a

point in 1 second
 measured in hertz (Hz)
 named after Heinrich Hertz (1888)
 1 Hz = 1 wavelength (vibration) per second
 can hear 20 Hz (low)  20,000 Hz (high)
C. Longitudinal waves
1. No crests or troughs
2. Compressions and rarefactions (stretched)
- example drawing of longitudinal wave (click on
picture)
C. Longitudinal waves
 Compressions – areas where the medium is
squeezed together closer than at equilibrium

 Rarefactions – areas where the medium is

stretched or expanded farther apart than at
equilibrium

 One wavelength is from compression to

compression or rarefaction to rarefaction
Electromagnetic waves
D. Electromagnetic waves (drawn as transverse)

Electromagnetic spectrum and uses

Radio waves – radio broadcasts, radar
Microwaves – cell phones, microwave ovens
Infrared waves – remote controls, CD-ROMS
Visible light – vision
Ultraviolet waves – tanning beds, kills bacteria
X-rays – images of internal organs and bones
Gamma rays – radiation therapy
II. Wave speed

A. Wave speed – speed at which a wave

travels through a medium

Speed = wavelength / period =  / T

or
v=f