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Introduction to waves

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Intros
Lessons
  1. Introduction to Waves
  2. What are waves?
  3. Mechanical Waves VS. Electromagnetic Waves
  4. Transverse Waves VS. Longitudinal Waves VS. Surface Waves
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Examples
Lessons
    Topic Notes
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    In this lesson, we will learn:

    • What are waves?
    • Mechanical Waves VS. Electromagnetic Waves Vs. Surface Waves
    • Transverse Waves VS. Longitudinal Waves

    Notes:

    • Definition of wave
      Rhythmic disturbances that can travel through matter. (The matter does not transfer). Energy is transported from one location to another.

    Introduction to Waves

    • Mechanical Waves VS. Electromagnetic Waves
      1. Mechanical Waves
        Mechanical waves need medium (substance) to transfer, Example; Sound waves, Water waves.
      2. Electromagnetic Waves
        Electromagnetic waves do not need medium to transfer, they can travel trough vacuum, Example; Radio waves, Microwaves, Infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and Gamma rays.

    • Transverse Waves VS. Longitudinal Waves Vs. Surface Waves
      • Transverse Waves
        Direction of motion of particles is PERPENDICULAR to the direction of motion of wave.

    Introduction to Waves

        Note: All electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, for example: radio waves, x-rays

        Note: Some mechanical waves are transverse waves, for example: water waves, vibrating spring

      • Longitudinal Waves
        Direction of motion of particles is PARALLEL to the direction of motion of waves.

    Introduction to Waves

        Note: Some mechanical waves are longitudinal waves, such as: sound waves

      • Surface Waves
        They have the characteristics of both longitudinal and transverse waves.
        Example: ocean waves are longitudinal, at the surface, but particles move in both parallel and perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.