Transcript Characteristics of Waves

Characteristics of Waves
Section 2
Page 463-471
98
Wave properties
Transverse waves
have the shape of a
sine curve
If they have the shape
of a sine curve they
are called sine waves
98
Know these parts
of a transverse wave
Crest—highest part
of the wave
Trough—lowest part
of the wave
Wavelength—the
distance between two
crests
Amplitude—the
height of the wave 98
Amplitude measures
the amount of particle vibration
The greatest distance that a wave is displaced
from its normal resting place
Also, half the distance from crest to trough
92
Amplitude is related to loudness!
99
Wavelength
Measures the
distance between two
equivalent parts of the
wave
Represented by the
Greek letter lambda, λ
100
`
101
Other important terms
Period—how long it takes for waves to
pass by


Symbol is T
SI Unit is seconds
Frequency –measures the rate of
vibrations


Symbol is f
SI unit the hertz (Hz)
Frequency-Period Equation
Frequency = 1/period
f=1/T
102
Radio Stations
Measure in
mHz—millions--FM
kHz—thousand—AM
95.1 T-95 classic rock, alternative
104.5 The FOX classic rock
103
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Radio—AM,FM, TV, radar aircraft navigation
Microwave—research and microwave ovens
Infrared—infrared photos, remote controls, heat
radiation
Visible Light—ROYGBIV
UV light—sterilizing, fluorescent minerals,
(sunburns)
X-ray—medical exams, cancer treatment
Gamma ray—food irradiation, studies of structural
flaws
104
Radio waves have
long wave lengths, so
low frequency
Gamma rays have
short wavelengths, so
high frequency
104
Visible light is only one small
portion of the EM spectrum
Red has a long wave
length
Violet has a short
wavelength
105
Speed of Sound
340 m/s
Sound travels better
in water
Sound travels even
better in solids
106
Speed of Light
3.00 x 108 m/s
186,000 mi/s
Depends on the
medium
106
Pitch
Pitch is determined by
frequency


High pitch = high
frequency
Low pitch = low
frequency
107
Doppler Effect
An observed change
in the frequency of
the wave when the
source or observer is
moving
107