Introduction to Waves 6/6/14

LOs

◦ Describe the main features of waves

◦ Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse

waves

◦ Be able to use the wave equation, v = fλ

What did all the pictures have in
common?

 They are all examples of waves

◦ Ocean Wave
◦ Ripple
◦ Sound Wave
◦ Shock Wave
◦ Electromagnetic Wave (Light)
What are waves?
 In groups on your tables compile a list of key
words relating to waves and write them in
large writing onto your pieces of A3 paper
 Try to think of as many words as you can.

 Include examples of waves, characteristics of

waves and any thing else you can think of
relating to waves.
What are waves?
 Waves are the movement of ENERGY from one
place to another.

 They can be either transverse or longitudinal.

 Waves can be demonstrated using a slinky.

 Transverse Waves
A Slinky can be used to model transverse waves,
by moving one end of the Slinky up and down.
source moves coils vibrate
up and down up and down

direction of wave
  The wave travels away from the source. The
direction of the wave makes a right angle with the
movement of the source.
 In a transverse wave, the coils do not travel in the
same direction as the wave; each coil of the Slinky
just vibrates up and down.
source moves coils vibrate
up and down up and down

direction of wave
Examples of transverse waves
 All Electromagnetic waves are transverse
◦ Light
◦ Microwaves
◦ Infrared
◦ Radio
 Other examples of transverse waves
◦ Water waves
 Longitudinal Waves
A Slinky can be used to model longitudinal
waves, by moving one end of the Slinky back
and forth.
source moves coils vibrate
left and right left and right

direction of wave
The wave travels away from the source. The
direction of the wave is the same as the movement
of the source.
In a longitudinal wave each coil of the Slinky
vibrates in the same direction as the wave
travels.
source moves coils vibrate
left and right left and right

direction of wave
Examples of Longitudinal Waves
 Sound waves

 Pressure waves (shock waves)

On your worksheets
 Draw a transverse wave

 Draw a longitudinal wave

On your worksheets
 Draw a transverse wave

 Draw a longitudinal wave

Progress Check
Indicate how you feel about your progress
with the LO below:

◦ Distinguish between longitudinal and transverse

waves
Modelling Waves
 Waves are usually represented on a wave
diagram as shown below:

Units?
 λ = Lambda
Used to mean wavelength
Copy this diagram into your books

Amplitude
Wavelength
Trough
Crest
Node
Wave Interference