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SME_3_Physics
SME_3_Physics
YOUR NOTES
IGCSE Physics CIE
CONTENTS
3.1.1 Features of Waves
3.1.2 The Wave Equation
3.1.3 Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
3.1.4 Wave Behaviour
3.1.5 Ripple Tank
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Worked Example
The diagram below shows a toy duck bobbing up and down on top of the surface of
some water, as waves pass it underneath.
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YOUR NOTES
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The distance from the undisturbed position to the peak or trough of a wave YOUR NOTES
It is given the symbol A and is measured in metres (m)
Amplitude is the maximum or minimum displacement from the undisturbed position
Wavelength
Wavelength is defined as:
The distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next wave
In a transverse wave:
The wavelength can be measured from one peak to the next peak
In a longitudinal wave
The wavelength can be measured from the centre of one compression to the centre of
the next
The wavelength is given the symbol λ (lambda) and is measured in metres (m)
The distance along a wave is typically put on the x-axis of a wave diagram
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Wave speed is given the symbol, ν, and is measured in metres per second (m/s), it can be YOUR NOTES
calculated using:
wave speed = frequency × wavelength
Wavefront
Wavefronts are a useful way of picturing waves from above: each wavefront is used to
represent a single wave
The image below illustrates how wavefronts are visualised:
The arrow shows the direction the wave is moving and is sometimes called a ray
The space between each wavefront represents the wavelength
When the wavefronts are close together, this represents a wave with a short
wavelength
When the wavefronts are far apart, this represents a wave with a long wavelength
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YOUR NOTES
Worked Example
Small water waves are created in a ripple tank by a wooden bar. The wooden bar
vibrates up and down hitting the surface of the water. The diagram below shows a
cross-section of the ripple tank and water.
Part (a)
Step 1: Recall the definition of amplitude
Amplitude = The distance from the undisturbed position to the peak or trough of a
wave
Step 2: Mark the undisturbed position on the wave
This is the centre of the wave
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Where:
v = wave speed in metres per second (m/s)
f = frequency in Hertz (Hz)
λ = wavelength in metres (m)
The wave speed equation may need to be rearranged, which can be done using this formula
triangle:
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YOUR NOTES
Worked Example
A wave in a pond has a speed of 0.15 m/s and a time period of 2 seconds.
Calculate:
a) The frequency of the wave
b) The wavelength of the wave
Part (a)
Step 1: List the known quantities
Time period, T = 2 s
Step 2: Write out the equation relating time period and frequency
Step 4: Use the frequency you calculated in part (a) and put the values into the equation
λ = 0.15 ÷ 0.5
Wavelength, λ = 0.30 m
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Transverse waves can be seen in a rope when it is moved quickly up and down
Examples of transverse waves are:
Ripples on the surface of water
Vibrations on a guitar string
S-waves (a type of seismic wave)
Electromagnetic waves (such as radio, light, X-rays etc)
Representing Transverse Waves
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Transverse waves are drawn as a single continuous line, usually with a central line showing YOUR NOTES
the undisturbed position
The curves are drawn so that they are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
These represent the peaks and troughs
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Longitudinal waves can be seen in a slinky spring when it is moved quickly backwards and
forwards
Examples of longitudinal waves are:
Sound waves
P-waves (a type of seismic wave)
Pressure waves caused by repeated movements in a liquid or gas
Representing Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal waves are usually drawn as several lines to show that the wave is moving
parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Drawing the lines closer together represents the compressions
Drawing the lines further apart represents the rarefactions
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YOUR NOTES
Longitudinal waves are represented as sets of lines with rarefactions and compressions
Comparing Transverse & Longitudinal Waves
The different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves are shown in the table:
Transverse Waves v Longitudinal Waves Table
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When waves reflect off a barrier, the angle of reflection, r, is equal to the angle of incidence,
i
Refraction
Refraction occurs when:
A wave passes a boundary between two different transparent media and
undergoes a change in direction
When waves enter a different medium, their speed can change
This effect is called refraction, and it can have two other effects:
The wavelength of the waves can increase or decrease
The waves can change direction
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YOUR NOTES
Waves can change direction when moving between materials with different densities
If the waves slow down, the waves will bunch together, causing the wavelength to
decrease
The waves will also start to turn slightly towards the normal
If the waves speed up then they will spread out, causing the wavelength to increase
The waves will also turn slightly away from the normal
Diffraction
When waves pass through a narrow gap, the waves spread out
This effect is called diffraction
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Make sure that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
Keep the wavelength of the waves the same
Similarly, when waves are diffracted the wavelength remains constant.
Refraction is the only wave effect in which the wavelength changes.
Remember:
Refraction is the name given to the change in the speed of a wave when it passes
from one medium to another. The change in direction is a consequence of this.
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The size of the gap (compared to the wavelength) affects how much the waves spread out
Diffraction can also occur when waves pass an edge
When a wave goes past the edge of a barrier, the waves can curve around the edge
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Investigating Reflection
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Reflection can be shown by the waves hitting a plane (straight) surface, such as a wall or YOUR NOTES
mirror
Investigating Refraction
Refraction can be shown by placing a glass block in the tank
The glass block should sit below the surface of the water and cover only some of the
tank floor
The depth of water becomes shallower here the glass block is placed
Since speed depends on depth, the ripples slow down when travelling over the block
This is a good model of refraction showing how waves slow down when passing from deep
water into shallow water
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When water waves travel from deep areas to shallow areas they slow down YOUR NOTES
Investigating Diffraction
Diffraction can be shown in a ripple tank by placing small barriers and obstacles in the tank
As the water waves encounter two obstacles with a gap between them, the waves can be
seen to spread out as follows:
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YOUR NOTES
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