On your own paper… Title:“Waves Notes”

Integrated Science

WavesAll matter is made up of atoms.Atoms are constantly vibrating.Vibrations travel as a wave.A wave extends from one place to

another.

Review of MatterThere are 4 states of matter:

solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.Waves cause vibration of the atoms in theses

states of matter.The 3 most common states of matter, solid,

liquid, and gas, act as a MEDIUM that waves can travel through.

Wave Vocabulary TermsCRESTS =High points on waveTROUGHS =low points on waves

CREST

TROUGH

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Wave Vocabulary TermsThe distance from one end of a wave to the other

end of the same wave is called the WAVELENGTH.

The distance from the midpoint (dotted line) of a wave to the crest or trough of a wave is called the AMPLITUDE.Amplitu

de

Wavelength

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Wave FrequencyFREQUENCY =The

number of times a vibration occurs in ONE SECOND.

High frequency waves have short wavelengths.

Low frequency waves have long wavelengths.

Wave FrequencyFrequency is calculated as Waves/Second.

Units of (Wave/Second)= Hertz=Hz.

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Wave PeriodsPERIOD=time it takes a wave to

complete one full vibration.Can be measured over any period of time,

often in seconds.

MediumSubstance that transports the wave from its

source to another location.Examples: solid, liquid, gas.

Wave Criteria

1. Energy input.2. Energy is transferred from one

location to another.3. No net displacement of the

medium.4. Medium can restore itself.

The medium transporting the wave returns to its original condition after the energy has moved through it.

Wave Motion• The movement of

energy through a medium (solid, liquid, gas).• The medium

transporting the wave returns to its original condition after the energy has moved through it.

Review Wave Characteristics• crest—highest point• trough—lowest point• wavelength• amplitude• frequency• period

Wave Speed• Describes how fast an energy

disturbance moves through a medium. • The speed of a wave is related to its

frequency and wavelength.

Equation for wave speed:Wave speed = frequency

wavelengthv =

The distance between adjacent peaks in the direction of travel for a wave is its

A. frequency.B. period. C. wavelength.D. amplitude.

Wave MotionCHECK YOUR NEIGHBOR

The distance between adjacent peaks in the direction of travel for a wave is itsA. frequency.B. period. C. wavelength.D. amplitude.

Explanation:The wavelength of a transverse wave is also the distance trough to trough, or between any adjacent identical parts of the waveform.

Wave MotionCHECK YOUR ANSWER

Types of WavesTwo different types of waves classified by the direction in which the medium vibrates compared to the direction of

energy travel.

Transverse Wave

•Vibrations at right angles to direction of wave travel.•Examples: Light, Radio, Ocean Waves.

Wave Travel

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Compressional/Longitudinal WaveVibrations are along (or parallel to) the direction of wave travel.

Wave Travel

Examples: Sound Waves

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Compressional/Longitudinal WaveCompression-Particles of medium are closer together than normal—COMPRESSED!

Rarefaction-Particles of medium are spaced apart more than normal—Expanded!

Compressional/Longitudinal Wave

IN A SLINKY!

The vibrations along a transverse wave move in a direction

A. along the wave.B. perpendicular to the wave. C. both of the above.D. neither of the above.

Transverse and Longitudinal WavesCHECK YOUR NEIGHBOR

The vibrations along a transverse wave move in a direction

A. along the wave.B. perpendicular to the wave. C. both of the above.D. neither of the above.

Comment:The vibrations in a longitudinal wave, in contrast, are along (or parallel to) the direction of wave travel.

Transverse and Longitudinal WavesCHECK YOUR ANSWER

Class of Waves We Are StudyingSound Waves Light Waves

The movement of vibrations through a material medium – a solid, a liquid, or a gas.

A vibration of non-material electric and magnetic fields – a vibration of pure energy. NO MEDIUM NEEDED.