Pearson Science Double Award Physics 3: Waves
Pearson Science Double Award notes on wave properties, light, sound and electromagnetic radiation.
Waves transfer energy and information without a net transfer of matter. This note follows the 4SD0 boundary through total internal reflection and basic sound. Diffraction detail, lenses and deeper sound measurements at points 3.24 to 3.29 belong to separate Physics.
Wave descriptions and calculations
In a transverse wave, oscillations are perpendicular to energy transfer. Electromagnetic waves and ripples on water are examples. In a longitudinal wave, oscillations are parallel to energy transfer, producing compressions and rarefactions. Sound in air is longitudinal.
Amplitude is maximum displacement from equilibrium. Wavelength is the shortest distance between points in phase. Frequency is oscillations per second in hertz, and period is time for one oscillation:
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