Physics Notes

The first law of Thermodynamics states that all systems tend towards greater chaos. That is,
that, in the course of the universe, order is broken down into disorder more often than not.

All waves share these common properties:

Velocity – speed of particles within the wave and the speed of propagation of the same.
E.g. Tsunami in deep water will travel at >700km/hr but with a VERY small amplitude
(<30cm), but becomes MUCH slower in shallow water with a musch GREATER amplitude
(>10m)

Frequency – This is measured by the number of complete waves passing a particular point in
a given unit of time.

Period – One complete wave: so crest to crest or trough

Wavelength – one complete wave: crest to crest/ trough to trough. Measured in metres

Displacement and amplitude - the distance the trough is below the origin (or the wave is
above the origin)

Reflection, Refraction, Wave resonance and Destruction

When waves encounter different mediums or other waves, a variety of outcomes may
occur.

Waves

We have seen that waves can travel through mediums (meaning “stuff) of different density.
There are 2 main types of waves: transverse (e.g. ocean waves) where the movement of the
particles is PERPENDICULAR to the wave propagation. The second type is called a
compression wave (e.g. sound wave) there the particles elongate and compress in the SAME
direction as the wave propagates.

Refraction – Bending of light

Light can sometimes act as a wave. We represent these light waves as arrows, simply to
make our representations easier. If a light wave travelling through one less dense medium
crosses the boundary into a denser medium (say from air into glass or water) then it is bent
towards the “normal;” (a straight line at right angles to the boundary edge).

- Wave – is a vibration or disturbance in space

- Waves transfer energy without transferring matter
- Waves are classified by WHAT they over through or
- By HOW particles move through them
 - MEDIUM – the substance that waves travel through and (sometimes) need to have
to propagate

Classification of Waves

We classify waves into 2 groups depending upon the medium they require for propagation:

1. Electromagnetic
a. Can move through empty space (vacuum) or through stuff.
b. E.g. X-rays, radio, gamma, light, Ultra Violet, etc.

2. Mechanical
a. MUST have a medium (solid, liquid, gas, plasma, super fluids or non-Newtonian
fluids) through which they can propagate.
b. Require the particles of the medium to vibrate in order to transfer energy.
c. E.g. Sound, water waves, Mexican waves, etc.

We can also classify waves according to how the particles move as the wave propagates:
1. Transverse waves: the particles move
perpendicular to the direction of wave
propagation:

a. Wavelength: distance from crest to crest (or

trough to trough) expressed in metres (m)
with symbol lambda.

b. Amplitude: the distance of a crest or trough

from the midpoint of wave (a).

2. Longitude Waves:
a. Compression: an area or light pressure (caused
by a bunching up of particles)

b. Rarefaction: An area of low pressure (caused by

particles being spread apart)
Wave Characteristics
- Frequency (f): the number of waves that pass a particular point per second
Measured in hertz (hz)
F= 1/t
- Period (T): The time it takes a wave to travel the distance of 1 wavelength
Measured in seconds
F=1/T
- Wave velocity (V): The speed of a wave. Defined as the distance travelled by a crest
in 1 period.
Measured in (m/s)
V=1/T

Speakers are flexing in and out – causing a wave of pressure in the ear

Sound waves are created by compression of the medium through with they travel. Faster
travelling waves have a higher pitch: slower waves have a lower pitch

Sound waves travel in the fluid of the cochlear -> the reach a particular set of cells where
they resonate: these cause hairs to vibrate -> active sensory cells -> nerve impulse to brain -
> we “hear something”.

Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt (and microwave gun)

Made of thirteen radio towers
Most powerful radio station in the southern hemisphere
Station emits electromagnetic waves – communicates submarines and naval ships
Electromagnetic waves
The super low-frequency signals of 19.8KHz follow the curvature of the earth and can be
received at great distances
300 metres high – 12 towers
Tower zero, one of the tallest towers in the southern hemisphere
Most powerful transmission station in the southern hemisphere

Sonic Cannons
The sonic cannon is a form of a sonic/ultrasonic weapon.
Capable of emitting extremely high-powered sound waves which can disrupt and or destroy
someone’s eardrums while also being able to cause extreme pain.
Works by emitting sound waves at differing pitches to cause damage to the ear in differing
amounts which can range from mild pain all the way to the bursting of ear drums.
It emits sound waves at approximately 19-20kHz.
It uses these waves by ejecting then through a speaker that is directed whee the affected
area is desired.
There is a sonic cannon for ducks
The idea has been used throughout history E.g. The Israelites blaring trumpets to shake the
walls of Jericho.
Speed Gun
Speed gun is a radio transmitter and receiver combined into one unit.
Radio waves
Produced by time varying electronic signals inside an antenna
Shoots a radio signal at a moving object at a known frequency.
If the signal bounces off the objects, it is returned to the gun at a different frequency
Tracks speed of cars
Track speed of certain sports
Police use it
Professional sport, such as tennis uses it