Unit: Waves
I can...
- Describe the properties of mechanical and electromagnetic magnetic waves
- Describe the properties of transverse and longitudinal waves
- Describe a wave by its speed, wavelength, amplitude, and frequency and explain how they are related
- Explain how waves can affect the pitch and loudness of a sound
Notes
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Key Concepts
A wave is a moving disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.
Electromagnetic waves can transfer energy through a medium OR through empty space (a vacuum). They do NOT need a medium to travel through. Ex. Radio waves, light waves, infrared waves, ultraviolet waves, x-rays, gamma rays Mechanical Waves are waves that DO require a medium in order to transfer energy. Ex. Sound waves, most water waves, seismic s waves |
There are TWO types of mechanical waves...
1. Transverse waves- a wave that vibrates the medium at right angles, or perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels 2. Longitudinal waves- the particles of the medium vibrate in the same direction as (or parallel to) the direction that the wave is travelling |
Waves can be described by their properties.
Transverse waves: crest, trough, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, & wave speed
Longitudinal waves: compression, rarefaction, & wavelength
Transverse waves: crest, trough, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, & wave speed
Longitudinal waves: compression, rarefaction, & wavelength