The Nature of Waves
Properties of waves are introduced as we explore the wave velocity equation by finding the frequency and wavelength of different types of waves. Simple harmonic motion is introduced with a discussion of spring force and spring potential energy and how that motion relates to waves.
Properties of waves are introduced as we explore the wave velocity equation by finding the frequency and wavelength of different types of waves. Simple harmonic motion is introduced with a discussion of spring force and spring potential energy and how that motion relates to waves.
Learning Objectives
-Compare and contrast the properties of transverse waves and longitudinal waves.
-Understand simple harmonic motion and how it relates to spring potential energy and use the spring constant successfully in calculations.
-Explain how simple harmonic motion and wave motion are related.
-Compare and contrast equilibrium position, period, amplitude, wavelength, and frequency conceptually and mathematically for a pendulum and a spring.
-Compare and contrast the properties of transverse waves and longitudinal waves.
-Understand simple harmonic motion and how it relates to spring potential energy and use the spring constant successfully in calculations.
-Explain how simple harmonic motion and wave motion are related.
-Compare and contrast equilibrium position, period, amplitude, wavelength, and frequency conceptually and mathematically for a pendulum and a spring.
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Vocabulary
amplitude - the distance from the equilibrium position to the maximum or minimum intensity of a wave. electromagnetic wave - oscillating electric and magnetic fields that need no physical medium through which to travel. frequency (f) - the number of wavelengths that pass a given point per second; SI unit is the Hertz (Hz). harmonic motion - the repetition of a wave with a constant frequency. longitudinal wave - a wave that vibrates in the direction of propagation (e.g. sound waves). mechanical wave - a wave requiring a physical medium through which to travel. period (T) - the time it takes for one wave cycle to occur; SI unit is seconds (s). spring constant (k) - a characteristic of a spring that is equal to the force exerted on it divided by the displacement the spring stretches; the unit is Newton/meter (N/m). spring force (FS) - this force is equal to the spring constant, k, for a given spring multiplied by the displacement the spring is stretched from the equilibrium position, x. spring potential energy (PES) - the amount of stored energy in a spring and is equal to one half times the spring constant, k, times the displacement the spring is stretched from the equilibrium position, x, squared. transverse wave - a wave that vibrates perpendicular to the direction of propagation (e.g. electromagnetic waves). wavelength (λ) - The distance between two waves that includes on full compression and one full rarefaction of a sound wave or one full crest and one full trough of an electromagnetic wave; SI unit is meters (m). |