WAVES PROPERTIES 1
Parts of a wave


Part 1

In the diagram below, identify the parts of a wave and then give a definition of each term.

Crest / trough / line of origin / wavelength / amplitude

5.-crest : A crest is the highest point of the wave.

2.-trough: A through is the lowest point of the wave

1.-line of origin : The line of origin is where the wave starts. Indicates the medium when is at rest.

3.-wavelength: The wavelength is the distance between one crest or trough to the next crest or trough.

4.-amplitude. Amplitud is how far the medium moves from rest position

Part 2

State which of the following waves you think has the highest frequency and which might have the lowest frequency. Explain the reasons for your selections.

wave #	crest	Trough	wavelength
1	1 cm	1 cm	2 cm
2	3.5 cm	3.5 cm	2.5 cm
3	0.5 cm	0.5 cm	3 cm
4	2 cm	2cm	0.5 cm

(Perhaps it would be useful for you to draw, on graph paper, the four different waves )

Highest frequency: 4 because have got the lowest wavelength, and that makes the wave to have a fast frequency.

Lowest frequency: 3 because have the highest wavelength, and that maks the wave have a long distance between one crest and the othe oner, and that's the frequency.

 

 

Waves

A wave is a disturbance that carries energy from one place to another.

Matter is NOT carried with the wave! A wave can move through matter (a media). If it must have a medium, it is called mechanical wave. If it can travel without a medium (such as in space), it is called electromagnetic wave.

Wave Types

1. Transverse waves: Waves in which the medium moves at right angles to the wave direction.
   

Parts of a transverse wave:

crest: the highest point of the wave

trough: the lowest point of the wave

2. Compressional (longitudinal) wave: Waves in which the medium moves back and forth in the same direction as the wave.
   

 Comparing transverse and longitudinal waves.

Wave properties depend on what type of energy makes the wave.

1. Wavelenght: The distance between one point on a wave and the exact same place on the next wave.
   
2. Frequency: How many waves go past a point in one second; measured in Hertz (Hz). The higher the frequency, the more energy in the wave.
   
3. Amplitude: How far the medium (crests and troughs, or compressions and rarefactions) moves from rest point/ line of origin (the place the medium is when not moving). The more energy a wave carries, the larger its amplitude.
   
4. Wave speed: Depends on the medium the wave is traveling in. This varies in solid, liquid and gases
   

Equation for calculating wave speed:

wave speed = wavelength (in m) x frequency (in Hz)

Problem:

If a wave has a wavelength of 2 m and a frequency of 500 Hz, what is its speed? Answer: wave speed = 1000m/s