p7 Waves

IGCSE Double Award Extended Coordinated Science
Physics 7 - Waves
Waves
You need to know a wave is:

- A method of transmission of energy without transferring matter in the direction of wave travel.
Waves transfer energy through vibrations of particles.

- There are two types of waves, depending on the direction of the vibration of the particle.
- Transverse waves and longitudinal waves.
Transverse waves
- Particles move perpendicular to the direction of the energy transfer (wave propagation).
- Transverse waves include light, radio waves, water waves.
Longitudinal waves
- Particles move parallel to the direction of the energy transfer (wave propagation).
- The area where the molecules are close together in an instant is called compression
- The area where the molecules are far apart in an instant is called rarefaction (pronounced rare-re-faction)
- Longitudinal waves include sound waves, seismic waves, and waves in compressed spring.
Some waves, like sound waves and water waves require a medium:
- A medium is the material which the wave travels through
Without a medium, these waves cannot propagate since there are no molecules to vibrate.
However, some waves, like electromagnetic waves including light and radiowaves, can travel without a medium.
- This is why only electromagnetic waves can travel through space, and not sound
- In space there is a vacuum, so only waves that do not need a medium can travel
Wave Properties
You need to know what amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and velocity of a wave means.
A crest is the highest point of a wave, and a trough is the lowest point of a wave.
Amplitude : the maximum displacement of the particle from its “zero” position.
- Which means it is the distance from the “zero” middle line to either the crest of the trough.
- Amplitude in a sound wave determines the volume. Higher amplitude means a higher volume.
Wavelength : the distance from one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave
- usually denoted by the greek letter delta (λ)
- which is equal to the distance from one trough to next, or the from one crest to the next.
- These are all one complete waves - all equaling the same length:
- On a longitudinal wave, the wavelength can be seen as the distance between the middle of compressions
Frequency : the number of waves passing a given point each second

- If in one second, 5 complete waves pass through, the frequency is 5waves/sec
- Frequency is measured in units of hertz (Hz) where 1Hz = 1wave/sec
Velocity : the speed of the travel of the wave - it can change depending on the medium.
- If the velocity of the wave is 330m/s (the case for sound in air)
- Energy is transferred to a distance of 330m away each second.
You need to know that the velocity is related to the frequency and the wavelength with a formula: v = f λ
- v = f x λ
- Velocity = frequency x wavelength
Wave Behaviours
You need to know what reflection and refraction is - they are dealt in more detail in Unit P8
When a wave hits a surface, the wave reflects back.
It was said that the velocity of wave changes as the medium changes.
So when a wave crosses a boundary between media (pl. of medium), the velocity of the wave changes.
- When a wave crosses the boundary at an angle, the change in velocity causes a change in direction
- This change in direction is called refraction
Both reflection and refraction is dealt in much more detail in relation to light wave in Unit P8
- So refer to Unit P8 for further explanation.
The syllabus says you should be able to, (SO check if you can):
- Demonstrate understanding that wave motion transfers energy without transferring matter in the direction of wave
travel.
- Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration in ropes and springs and by experiments using water
waves.
- Recall and use the equation v = f λ
- State the meaning of and use the terms speed, frequency, wavelength and amplitude.
- Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves and give suitable examples.
- Identify how a wave can be reflected off a plane barrier and can change direction as its speed changes.
- Interpret reflection and refraction using wave theory.

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IGCSE Double Award Extended Coordinated Science

You need to know a wave is:

Waves transfer energy through vibrations of particles.

- Transverse waves include light, radio waves, water waves.

Frequency : the number of waves passing a given point each second

When a wave hits a surface, the wave reflects back.

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p7 Waves

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Copyright:

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p7 Waves

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p7 Waves

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IGCSE Double Award Extended Coordinated Science

You need to know ​a wave is:

Waves transfer energy through ​vibrations of particles​.

- Transverse waves include light, radio waves, water waves.

Frequency​ : the number of waves passing a given point each​ ​second

When a wave hits a surface, the wave​ ​reflects​ back.

You might also like

You need to know a wave is:

Waves transfer energy through vibrations of particles.

Frequency : the number of waves passing a given point each second

When a wave hits a surface, the wave reflects back.