Physics – Input 16: Waves

Travel of light and sound

Light and sound travel via waves from an object to our eyes and ears. Either from sources
that emit light or sound directly or reflect the light or sound.
Light travels through electromagnetic waves, while sound travels through mechanical
waves.

Waves
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The two types of waves:

Longitudinal waves
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Waves are in the same direction as the movement.

Transverse waves
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Waves are perpendicular to the movement.

Properties of a Wave

Wavelength (λ): Distance between identical points on consecutive waves

Amplitude: Distance between origin and crest or trough
Frequency (ν): Number of waves that pass a point per unit time.
Speed: = wavelength * frequency

Difference: Period and Wavelength

Wavelength is just the distance between two identical points in the adjacent cycles of a
wave, and period is the time it takes to complete one cycle of the wave.

Different Waves

Formulas:

Wave equation: v=fλ v – wave speed (m/s)

f – frequency (Hz)
λ – wavelength
 Waves

Electromagnetic waves
Mechnaical Waves
(doesn't require a
(requires a medium)
medium)

Longitudnial Waves Transverse Waves Light

Sound Waves Water Waves Microwaves

Infrared

X-rays

Ultraviolet rays

Radio waves