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The Nature and Properties of Waves
The Nature and Properties of Waves
Properties of Waves
Section 11.1 & 11.2
What’s in a Wave?
Wave – a rhythmic disturbance that
transfers energy through matter or space
Compressional/
Longitudinal
Transverse Waves
Transverse waves – matter moves in the
medium back and forth at right angles to
the direction that the wave is traveling
Light waves & water waves
Compressional Waves
Compressional waves – matter in the
medium moves back and forth in the same
direction that the wave travels
Sound waves
Seismic Waves
Seismicwaves – combination of
transverse and compressional waves
which carry energy along and through
Earth
The Parts of a Wave
Crest– the highest points of a wave
Trough – the lowest points of a wave
Compression – place in compressional
wave where the particles are pushed
together
Rarefaction – place in compressional
wave where the particles are spread apart
Wavelength
Wavelength – the distance between one
point on a wave and the nearest point just
like it
Frequency and Period
Period Frequency
T= 1/f f = 1/T
= Low frequency
Short wavelength
= High Frequency
Wave Speed
Thespeed of a wave depends on the
properties of the medium it is traveling
through
In general sound waves travel the fastest
through solids then liquids then gases
Light waves travel the fastest in empty space
and slowest through solids
Sound waves travel faster through warmer
mediums
Calculating Wave Speed
Speed = wavelength x frequency
V = λ x f
V = velocity (m/s)
λ = wavelength (m)
f = frequency (Hz; 1/sec)
Example #1
Whatis the speed of a wave with a
wavelength of 2m and a frequency of
3 Hz?
V=λxf
V = (2)(3)
V = 6 m/s
Example #2
A wave is traveling at a speed of 12 m/s
and its wavelength is 3m. Calculate the
wave’s frequency.
V=λxf
12 = (3)(f)
12 = f
3
4 Hz = f
Do these on your own
A tuningfork has a frequency of 280 Hertz
and the wavelength of the sound produced
is 1.5 meters. Calculate the velocity of the
wave.