Wave Fundamentals
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What is a wave?
A disturbance or oscillation that travels through a space or medium, transferring energy without a net transfer of matter.
What are the two main categories of waves based on whether they need a medium?
Mechanical waves (which require a medium, like water or sound) and non-mechanical waves (which do not require a medium, like light).
What is a transverse wave?
A wave where the particles of the medium move at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction the wave is travelling.
What is a longitudinal wave?
A wave where the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave (e.g., sound waves).
Define “amplitude”.
The maximum distance a point moves from its rest position. (In sound, it determines volume; in light, it determines brightness).
Define “wavelength” (λ).
The distance between two matching points on neighbouring waves (e.g., from crest to crest).
What does the frequency of a wave measure, and what is its unit?
The number of waves passing any point each second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
What is the period (T) of a wave?
The time taken for one full wavelength to pass a certain point (measured in seconds).
State the wave equation.
Velocity (v) = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ).