Wave Types
Waves are simply a way that energy is transferred from one place to another.
Whether they are mechanical waves such as waves in the ocean, a wave in a spring and sound waves, or electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves for x-rays, they all share similar features and properties. In these series of lessons, we discuss their features and importantly what happens when waves interact.
Start by watching this video which gives a broad overview of the study of waves and allows you to see how the various concepts are into related. It may also be useful to watch this video as a review exercise after you have studied all the key components involving wave physics.
Whether they are mechanical waves such as waves in the ocean, a wave in a spring and sound waves, or electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves for x-rays, they all share similar features and properties. In these series of lessons, we discuss their features and importantly what happens when waves interact.
Start by watching this video which gives a broad overview of the study of waves and allows you to see how the various concepts are into related. It may also be useful to watch this video as a review exercise after you have studied all the key components involving wave physics.
Transverse Waves
Transverse Waves are waves where the particles that carry the wave in the medium, travel perpendicular to the direction of the wave. When viewed, as a still image, they take a sinusoidal shape. (There is a reason for this and will discussed in a future video)
As a result it has a characteristic 'top' of the wave, called the crest and a 'bottom' called the trough.
The video reviews the basic features of a transverse wave and also examine the simple wave equation which determines the velocity of the wave
As a result it has a characteristic 'top' of the wave, called the crest and a 'bottom' called the trough.
The video reviews the basic features of a transverse wave and also examine the simple wave equation which determines the velocity of the wave
Test your understanding
Interactive
The following animation, from pHET, allow you to play with the same animation in the video
The following animation, from pHET, allow you to play with the same animation in the video
Longitudinal Waves
Longitudinal waves are waves where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave. Instead of crests and troughs, they are marked by the presence of compressions and rarefactions.
In the following video you will see a demonstration and explanation of longitudinal waves using a slinky. Also demonstrated is how sound requires a medium.
In the following video you will see a demonstration and explanation of longitudinal waves using a slinky. Also demonstrated is how sound requires a medium.
Interactive
Using sound as an example, explore this animation of longitudinal waves.
But wait, there's more...
And then there's an example of a torsional wave, where the medium rotates about a circle whose plane is perpendicular to the wave velocity
Some waves are more complex and cannot be described as either transverse or longitudinal waves. A good example is the surface wave. In the case to the left, the wave appears as a transverse wave, but unlike a transverse wave, the particles moved periodically in circles, the size of which is dependent on the depth to the surface.
Interactive
Let's summarise the two key wave types by playing with the animation
Let's summarise the two key wave types by playing with the animation