Chapter 1 Wave

1.1 Understanding Waves 1.1.1 Motion of Waves 1. An oscillating or vibrating motion in which a point or a body moves back and forth along a line about a fixed central point produces waves. 2. An oscillating or vibrating system acts as the source of waves which transfer energy from one point to another (without transferring matter). Type of wave Light Sound Water wave Electromagnetic wave Source of wave Vibration of electron Vibration of mechanical bodies Vibration on a still water surface Oscillating or vibration between the electric field and the magnetic field.

1.1.2 Propagation (travelling) of waves 1. A wave transfers energy and the momentum from the source of the wave to the surroundings. 2. Figure 1 shows that the cork does not move outwards as the wave passes. This means that the water itself does not move outwards. Through wave motion, energy is transferred from the source to a receiver without involving the transfer of matter.

Figure 1

1.1.3 Types of Waves 1. Two types of waves a. Transverse wave b. Longitudinal wave 2. A slinky spring can be used to demonstrate the propagation of waves Definition Transverse wave Vibration of particles in the medium is at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction of the propagation of the wave. Longitudinal wave Vibration of particles in the medium is along (parallel) to the direction of the propagation of the wave.

Model of slinky spring

Example s

water waves, light waves, electromagnetic waves

Sound waves

Similarities 1. Produced by vibration or oscillation. 2. Transfer energy or momentum without transferring matter. 3. Propagated by vibration or oscillation of the particles of the medium.

1.1.4 Wavefronts 1. Wavefront is an imaginary line that connects all vibrating particles that are in the same distance. 2. Wavefront can be drawn by joining all the crests of a wave or by joining all the troughs. 3. The direction of propagation of the wave is always perpendicular to the wavefronts.

Produced when a wooden bar vibrates vertically at a constant frequency on the surface of water

1.1.5 Amplitude, Period and Frequency of a Wave 1. The amplitude, A of vibrating system is the maximum displacement from its equilibrium position. 2. The period, T of vibrating system is the time taken to complete an oscillation.

3. The frequency, f is the number of complete oscillations made by a vibrating system in one

second.

1.1.6 Displacement-Distance Graph and Displacement-Time Graph

1. From the graph of displacement, s against time, t in figure 1, the following information is obtained. (a) Amplitude, A = X (b) Period of oscillation, T 2. From the graph of displacement, s against distance, d in figure 2, the following information is obtained. (a) Amplitude, A is the maximum displacement of a medium particle from its stationary position. (b) Wavelength, l is the distance between two successive points of the same phase in a wave. SI unit = metre (m) 3. Relationship between Speed (v), Wavelength (l) and Frequency (f): Velocity = Frequency x Wavelength v=fxl units of v= [ ],f=[ ],l=[ ]

1.1.7 Damping

1. The decrease in the amplitude of an oscillating system is called damping. 2. Damping is usually caused by :a. External damping of the system is the loss of energy to overcome frictional forces or air resistance. b. Internal damping is the loss of energy due to the extension and compression of the molecules in the system. 3. Damping in an oscillating system causes the amplitude and the energy of the system to decrease but the frequency, f does not change. 4. The frequency of a system which oscillates freely without the action of an external force is called the natural frequency. 5. Resonance is the phenomenon when the oscillating at a frequency equivalent to its natural frequency by an external force. 6. The resonating system oscillates at its maximum amplitude.