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Physics Notes - Waves Part 1

The document discusses different types of waves including transverse and longitudinal waves. It defines key wave properties and terms such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, time period, and wave speed. Formulas are provided relating these properties and examples are given calculating wavelength and wave speed from known values.

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184 views3 pages

Physics Notes - Waves Part 1

The document discusses different types of waves including transverse and longitudinal waves. It defines key wave properties and terms such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, time period, and wave speed. Formulas are provided relating these properties and examples are given calculating wavelength and wave speed from known values.

Uploaded by

ankur11783official
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Waves

Introduction to Waves:

 What are Waves?

 Waves are vibrations or disturbances that transfer energy without transferring matter from one place
to another.

 They can be seen in various forms, from water ripples to sound and light.

Types of Waves:
Transverse Waves:

 Definition: Transverse waves are waves in which the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave
travel.
 Examples: Light waves, ripples on water, electromagnetic waves.
 Characteristics:
o Crests (high points) and troughs (low points) represent the maximum and minimum points of the
wave, respectively.
o The wave motion is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Longitudinal Waves:

 Definition: Longitudinal waves are waves in which particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel.
 Examples: Sound waves, seismic waves.
 Characteristics:
o Compression (high-pressure regions) and rarefaction (low-pressure regions) are formed in the wave.
o The wave motion occurs in the same direction as the energy transfer.
Key Terms and Formulas:

Wavelength (λ):
 Definition: Wavelength is the distance between two successive points in a wave that are in phase.

 Symbol: λ

 Unit: Meters (m)

Frequency (ƒ):
 Definition: Frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point in a given time.

 Symbol: ƒ

 Unit: Hertz (Hz)

Amplitude
 The amplitude of a wave is the height of its peak above the midline.

One Hz means one cycle per second.

Time Period (T):


 Definition: Time period is the time taken for one complete wave to pass a point.

 Symbol: T

 Unit: Seconds (s)

Wave Speed (v):


(Relation between Velocity, Wavelength, and Frequency):

Definition: Wave speed is the speed at which the wave propagates through a medium.

Formula for Wave Speed (v):

Wave speed (v) is the product of wavelength (λ) and frequency (ƒ). Unit is meter per second (m/s).

v = ƒλ

v = λ/T (f=1/T)

To find Wavelength,

λ = v/f

λ = vT (T=1/f)
Numerical Problems:
Example 1: Calculate the wavelength of a wave traveling at a speed of 300 m/s with a frequency of 50 Hz.

 Given: Wave speed (v) = 300 m/s, Frequency (ƒ) = 50 Hz

 Formula: v = ƒλ

 Rearranging the formula to find wavelength: λ = v / ƒ

 Substituting the given values: λ = 300 m/s / 50 Hz = 6 meters

Example 2: If a wave has a wavelength of 8 meters and a frequency of 20 Hz, what is its wave speed?

 Given: Wavelength (λ) = 8 meters, Frequency (ƒ) = 20 Hz

 Formula: v = ƒλ

 Substituting the given values: v = 20 Hz * 8 meters = 160 m/s

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