Waves
Topic Summary
Topic Summary
- The properties of transverse and longitudinal Waves
- The properties of Electromagnetic waves
- Applications of Electromagnetic waves
Transverse and Longitudinal waves
Transverse and Longitudinal waves
Transverse waves: Particles move perpendicular to direction of motion of wave
Example: Water waves
Longitudinal waves: Particles move along direction of motion of wave
Example: Sound waves
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Observing properties of waves in a ripple tank (Required Practical)
Observing properties of waves in a ripple tank (Required Practical)
Waves in a fluid can be observed using a ripple tank.
There are various ways that this can be done:
- The frequency of a wave can be found by counting the number of waves that pass a point every second
- The wave speed could be calculated by timing how long it takes a wave to travel a fixed distance.
- The wavelength can either be observed by using a metre rule or could be calculated once the wave speed and frequency is known.
Improving quality of results:
- Measure the wavelength of 10 waves and then divide length by 10
- Measure the time taken for 10 waves to pass a fixed point and divide by 10
- Take repeat measurements
- Ensure the lab is darkened so that wave fronts can be observed more clearly