Waves - Physics

Transverse wave information.

The particles oscillate up and down and at right angles to the direction of the wave. They do not need a medium to travel in. All Electro magnetic waves are transverse.

The frequency is the number of complete oscillations per second.

One wavelength is the shortest distance between in-phase particles.

The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a particle from the midpoint of oscillation.

Time period is the time taken for the wave to complete one full oscillation.

Longitudinal Wave information.

The particles oscillate back and forth creating compressions are rare-ra-fractions. They vibrate in the direction of propagation. They need a medium to travel in. Sound Waves are longitudinal.

Reflection is when the wave is bounced back as it hits a boundary. This can be demonstrated in a ripple tank.

Refraction is when the wave changes direction as it enters a different medium. The Change in direction is due to the wave changing in speed.

Diffraction is the way in which waves spread out as they come through a narrow ap or go around obstacles. All waves can be diffracted. You get the most diffraction when the gap is equal to one wavelength.

Path difference is how far one wave has travelled minus how far the other wave has travelled.

Radio waves are used for communication. Microwaves are used for satellites. Infared Radiation is used in remotes. Ultra Violet light is used in sun beds. X-rays are used for medical reasons and so are Gamma rays.

All Electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum. This speed is the speed of light which is 3 times 10 to the…