Mechanical Waves

Mechanical waves are a type of wave that is an oscillation of matter, and therefore transfer energy through a medium. There are two main types of mechanical waves - transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Transverse Waves

Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave. The crest is the highest point of the wave and the trough is the lowest point. Examples of transverse waves include water waves and electromagnetic waves.

Longitudinal Waves

Longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave. The compression is the region of high pressure and the rarefaction is the region of low pressure. Sound waves are examples of longitudinal waves.

Wave Properties

Waves have several key properties including amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and velocity. The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position. Wavelength is the distance between two corresponding points on a wave. Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in a certain amount of time, measured in hertz (Hz). Velocity is the speed at which the wave travels through the medium.

Wave Behavior

Waves can exhibit several behaviors including reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference. Reflection occurs when a wave bounces off a surface. Refraction occurs when a wave changes direction as it passes from one medium to another. Diffraction occurs when a wave bends around an obstacle. Interference occurs when two or more waves combine to form a new wave.

Study Guide

1. Define mechanical waves and give examples of transverse and longitudinal waves.
2. Explain the properties of waves including amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and velocity.
3. Discuss the behaviors of waves including reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference.
4. Compare and contrast transverse and longitudinal waves in terms of particle motion and wave characteristics.
5. Describe how mechanical waves transfer energy through a medium.

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