Introduction to Waves

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Part A Part B

: Definition
- Definition of waves. - Basic Properties of waves.

The basics

: Types of Waves and Terminology.

- Mechanical waves : Transverse and Longitudinal waves. - Electromagnetic waves. - Terminology of waves.

Part C Part D Part E

: The Wave Equation. : Common Characteristic of Waves. : Revision

PART A

Definition of wave
A periodic disturbance which travels through a medium from one point in space to the others.

Wave motion means the propagation of waves through a medium.

Wave motion appears in almost every branch of Physics.

Basic properties of waves :

Energy is transferred from one place to another in a wave motion. Motion of the medium (particles of the medium) is usually periodically vibratory. Only the shape or form of wave travels, not the medium.
Remember to take notes

PART B TYPES OF WAVES

Waves are classified into different types according to their natures :
WAVES
Mechanical waves
Transverse waves

Electromagnetic waves
Transverse waves

Longitudinal waves

1. Mechanical Waves
A material medium is necessary for the transmission for mechanical waves. Mechanical waves cannot travel through vacuum. Due to elastic forces on adjacent layers of medium, disturbance is transmitted from one layer to the next through the medium.

Water waves, sound, vibration of spring, etc.

And ... click

Click for examples

according to the direction of vibration, waves are also classified into : (a) Transverse wave; (b) Longitudinal waves.

1.1 Transverse Waves

The waveform appears in the shape of sine curve. A wave in which the motions of the matter particles are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave itself.
Examples

Water waves, pulse in a stretched string,transverse wave demonstrator.

1.2 Longitudinal Waves

A wave in which the motions of the matter particles are in the same direction as the wave propagation. Sound, or a spring oscillating up and down, etc.Show magnetic longitudinal demonstrator

Examples

2. Electromagnetic Waves
Material medium is not essential for propagation. e/m waves travel through vacuum. Disturbance of electric and magnetic fields travelling through space. All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.

X-rays, radio waves, micro-waves,etc.

examples

Terminology of a Wave
A wave is usually described by the following terms : Amplitude Wavelength () Frequency (f) Period (T) Wave velocity (v)

Each term will be explained.

 The amplitude is the maximum displacement of the medium from its equilibrium position. The wavelength () is the minimum distance between two points which are in phase. The frequency () is the number of complete oscillations made in one second. Unit : Hz The period (T) is the time taken for one complete oscillation. It is related to frequency by T = 1/ Table of Unit : s Contents

PART C

The Wave Equation

The wave velocity is the displacement traveled by the wave in one second ....

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The wave velocity (v) is related to frequency and wavelength by --

The Wave Equation

v =

Using the Wave Equation

Example :
A travelling wave of wavelength 0.6m moves at a speed of 3.0 m/s. What is the period of this wave ? Now you know = 0.6 m, v = 3.0 m/s Can you find the frequency of this wave By using the wave Click to see the answer

equation, v = 3.0 = (0.6) i.e = 5.0 Hz

Then the period of this wave is ??? Period T = 1/ T = 1/5.0 or 0.2 s

Table of Contents

PART D

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Transmission of energy Reflection Refraction Diffraction Interference

Lets take water waves as an example to study the characteristics of waves.

The behavior of water waves demonstrates all these characteristics..

characteristics

Reflection of Reflection Waves of Waves

A travelling wave is reflected when it hits a barrier. This phenomenon can easily be observed when a travelling water wave hits a reflector in the ripple tank.
Reflector

Reflected waves

Refraction of Waves
- The speed of a water wave increases with depth. This change in speed is accompanied by refraction.

This effect is a consequence of the wave equation, v = . Since is constant, a decrease in v produces a decrease in .

Diffraction of Waves
When a travelling water wave hits an obstacle, the wavefronts spreads out round the edge and becomes curved. This phenomenon refers to diffraction.

The wavelength of the wave is not changed in diffraction.

Interference of Waves
When two or more waves propagating in the same medium meet at the same point, interference is said to occur. A stable interference pattern can be observed when two water waves of same frequency meet one another in a ripple tank.

Click for example

All kinds of waves demonstrate these 5 characteristics.

We have seen that mechanical waves (water waves in our example) well demonstrate these characteristics. Electromagnetic waves show all these characteristics as well.

Think

It is known that light demonstrates all these five characteristics of waves, do you think that light exists in the form of wave ?
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Yes --

it is an electromagnetic wave.

PART E

Now you have learned the basic concepts of Waves.

After this lecture, you should be able to answer the following questions :

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Are you ready ?

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1. What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves ?

2. Can you give some examples of electromagnetic waves ?

3. What is the direction of the particle motion in a transverse wave ?

More questions

4. Is sound a transverse or longitudinal wave ?

5. Is it correct that water waves do not transmit energy from one point to another ?
If you do not have all 5 questions answered correctly, click here and back to part B again if necessary ---->>

1. In a wave diagram, can you identify the following terms ? (a) wavelength (b) amplitude. 2. Write down the wave equation.
3. What are the 5 common characteristics of waves ?
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Now we come to the conclusion of introducing waves. You should be able to tell the nature of waves, and identify different types of waves after this lecture.

The study of waves is important in Physics. From the motion of water to the structure of atoms, study of waves applies almost in every category. THE END OF LECTURE