Embedded Files
- The properties described below are valid for all types of waves, however, here they are described for mechanical waves.
- The properties described below are valid for all types of waves, however, here they are described for mechanical waves.
1) Amplitude (A):
1) Amplitude (A):
Amplitude of a wave motion is the largest displacement of a particle of the medium through which the wave is propagating, from its rest position.
Amplitude of a wave motion is the largest displacement of a particle of the medium through which the wave is propagating, from its rest position.
It is measured in metre in SI units.
It is measured in metre in SI units.
2) Wavelength:
2) Wavelength:
Wavelength is the distance between two successive particles which are in the same state of vibration.
Wavelength is the distance between two successive particles which are in the same state of vibration.
It is measured in metre.
It is measured in metre.
3) Period (T):
3) Period (T):
Time required to complete one vibration by a particle of the medium is the period T of the wave.
Time required to complete one vibration by a particle of the medium is the period T of the wave.
It is measured in seconds.
It is measured in seconds.
4) Double periodicity:
4) Double periodicity:
Waves possess double periodicity.
Waves possess double periodicity.
At every location the wave motion repeats itself at equal intervals of time, hence it is periodic in time.
At every location the wave motion repeats itself at equal intervals of time, hence it is periodic in time.
Similarly, at any given instant, the form of wave repeats at equal distances hence, it is periodic in space.
Similarly, at any given instant, the form of wave repeats at equal distances hence, it is periodic in space.
In this way wave motion is a doubly periodic phenomenon i.e periodic in time and periodic in space.
In this way wave motion is a doubly periodic phenomenon i.e periodic in time and periodic in space.
5) Frequency (n):
5) Frequency (n):
Frequency of a wave is the number of vibrations performed by a particle during each second.
Frequency of a wave is the number of vibrations performed by a particle during each second.
SI unit of frequency is hertz. (Hz)
SI unit of frequency is hertz. (Hz)
Frequency is a reciprocal of time period.
Frequency is a reciprocal of time period.
6) Velocity (v): -
6) Velocity (v): -
The distance covered by a wave per unit time is called the velocity of the wave.
The distance covered by a wave per unit time is called the velocity of the wave.
- For mechanical waves to propagate through a medium, the medium should possess certain properties as given below:
- For mechanical waves to propagate through a medium, the medium should possess certain properties as given below:
i) The medium should be continuous and elastic so that the medium regains original state after removal of deforming forces.
i) The medium should be continuous and elastic so that the medium regains original state after removal of deforming forces.
ii) The medium should possess inertia. The medium must be capable of storing energy and of transferring it in the form of waves.
ii) The medium should possess inertia. The medium must be capable of storing energy and of transferring it in the form of waves.
iii) The frictional resistance of the medium must be negligible so that the oscillations will not be damped.
iii) The frictional resistance of the medium must be negligible so that the oscillations will not be damped.
7) Phase and phase difference:
7) Phase and phase difference:
The state of oscillation of a particle is called its phase.
The state of oscillation of a particle is called its phase.
- Characteristics of progressive wave
- Characteristics of progressive wave
1) All vibrating particles of the medium have same amplitude, period and frequency.
1) All vibrating particles of the medium have same amplitude, period and frequency.
2) State of oscillation i.e., phase changes from particle to particle.
2) State of oscillation i.e., phase changes from particle to particle.
Page updated
Report abuse