SS2 Third Term Physics Lesson Note – Waves

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WEEK 2

TOPIC:  WAVES ( CONT’D)

CONTENTS

1. Types of waves
2. Wave equation ( y = Asin (ωt – k )

Sub topic 1: Types of waves

Waves can be classified under Transverse waves and Longitudinal waves.  If the direction of propagation of the particles of the wave is perpendicular to the direction of vibration of the medium, the wave is transverse. Examples of transverse waves are, water waves and waves produced by plucking a string. If we consider material medium, waves can be classified under mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves. Mechanical waves require a material medium for propagation e.g water waves and waves in a string while electromagnetic waves do not require material medium for propagation. Examples of these waves are; radio waves, light waves, x-rays e.t.c.

If the direction of travel of the wave is the same as the direction of vibration of the medium, the wave is longitudinal. Sound waves are example of longitudinal waves. In longitudinal waves, the vibrating particles behave like a spiral spring that has a series of compressed regions and

spaced out regions travelling along it. Series of compressed regions are called compression (c) while series of spaced-out regions are called rarefaction (r). See diagram (b) below.

Sub topic 3: Equation of a travelling wave

The equation of a travelling wave can be written mathematically as

y = sin θ     or y=cos θ

Angular velocity ω=θ/t    radians per seconds.    θ=ωt

y = sin ωt     or   y=cos ωt

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