Waves

Objective: I can describe the

difference between mechanical
waves and electromagnetic waves.
 What is a wave?
A wave is a moving
disturbance that transfers
energy through matter or
space.
 Examples of waves
Water waves light waves

Sound waves microwaves

Radio waves X-ray waves

Ultraviolet waves seismic waves

All of these waves can be put into 2
categories:
1. Waves that do not require a
medium

2. Waves that require a medium

 So what’s a medium?
A medium is something through which
a wave travels. (solid, liquid, or gas!)
• In a water wave, the medium is the water.
• In a sound wave, the medium is the air.
• In an earthquake, the medium is the ground.

Does light require a medium?

Well, where does light come from?

If it can travel through

NOTHINGNESS, then it
doesn’t need a medium
 Back to our 2 groups
1. Electromagnetic waves can transfer energy
through a medium OR through empty space (a
vacuum)
– Ex. Radio waves, light waves, infrared waves, ultraviolet
waves, x-rays, gamma rays

2. Mechanical Waves are waves that require a

medium in order to transfer energy.
– Ex. Sound waves, water waves, seismic waves
 Review
1. What is a medium?
2. Do electromagnetic waves require a
medium?
3. Give an example of an electromagnetic wave.
4. Do mechanical waves require a medium?
5. Give an example of a mechanical wave.
Mechanical wave Electromagnetic wave
 Transverse and
Longitudinal Waves
Objective: I will be able to
differentiate between
transverse and longitudinal
waves.
2 different ways to create a wave:
 Now lets see these two wave
types in action
http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/demos/waves/
wavemotion.html
 Let’s look back at the waves
Now, when you watch the waves, notice how
the particles of the medium are moving in
different ways.

Note:
• Which direction is the wave moving in?
• Which direction are the particles moving in?
• Are these two directions the same?
http://www.acs.psu.edu/drussell/demos/waves/wavemotion.html
 Longitudinal Waves
In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the
medium vibrate in the same direction as (or
parallel to) the direction that the wave is
travelling
Longitudinal waves (where particles move
parallel to the direction of the wave) are
something you experience every day in the form
of SOUND!
 Transverse Waves
In a transverse wave, the particles of the
medium vibrate in the opposite direction of (or
perpendicular to) the direction that the wave is
travelling
Transverse waves (where the particles move
perpendicular to the direction of the wave) are
also all around you in the form of LIGHT!
 Review
1. In a ___________ wave the particles of the
medium vibrate PERPENDICULAR to the
direction the wave is travelling.
2. In a ___________ wave the particles of the
medium vibrate PARALLEL to the direction
the wave is travelling.
3. Sound is an example of a ________ wave.
4. Light is an example of a ________ wave.
Transverse Wave Longitudinal Wave
 Wave Parts
Objective: I will be able to identify
and label the main parts of a wave.
 Wavelength
The distance between one point on a wave and
the exact same point on the next wave
 Amplitude
The maximum extent of vibration or the
distance from the resting position of the
medium to the crest or trough
 Frequency
The number of
waves produced in a
given amount of
time
 Crest and trough
The highest/lowest point of a transverse wave
 Compression and rarefaction
The squished up or spread out parts of a
longitudinal wave
 Review
1. Draw a transverse wave and label
– Wavelength
– Amplitude
– Crest
– Trough
 Review, continued
2. Draw a longitudinal wave and label
– Wavelength
– Compression
– rarefaction
Practice 1
Practice 2