Waves and Energy

Waves and Energy

Waves and radiation are carriers of energy.

Sound is the type of wave motion called longitudinal. Longitudinal is how the particles move they move to and from in the same direction to the wave. Examples of longitudinal waves are sound waves, explosions and some earthquake waves.

In water waves the particles move up and down as the wave moves sideways. This is called a transverse wave.

Electromagnetic waves, such as light and radio waves, do not need a substance to travel through.

Waves are a disturbance that carries energy ( not matter ).

Does the wave require a medium (something) made up of particles to travel?

Yes: Mechanical Wave

No: Electromagnetic Wave

How close the disturbance of the wave compare to the direction in which the wave is moving

In the same direction - compression / longitudinal

At 90 degrees - transverse

Longitudinal wave: same direction to the propagation of wave

Transverse wave: up and down perpendicular to the direction of wave.

Amplitude- (A)- Height of the wave. Max displacement of the particle from the equilibrium. Measured in MTS.

Wavelength- length of the wave.

Period: the period is the time required for the particle to complete one full cycle from its highest point to its lowest point and back again. Measured in seconds.

Frequency: Number of waves in a certain time

Properties of waves

Wavelength: For a sound wave, how high or how low a note sounds. For light wave, its corresponds to the colour of the light.

Amplitude: Corresponds to loudness for a sound wave or brightness for a light wave.

The amount of energy in a wave is proportional to its amplitude. The larger the amplitude, the more energy it carries and the more dangerous it can be. For example, low energy sound is perfectly safe. However, prolonged exposure to high intensity sounds can cause loss of hearing and even deafness.

Greater the frequency lesser the period

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