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Section C - Waves and Optics Class Notes

Definition of a wave - a wave can be described as a disturbance that travels through a medium
(or no medium), transporting energy from one location (its source) to another location without transporting
matter.

There are 5 types of waves on the syllabus:

1. Pulse Wave - is a non-periodic waveform
e.g. e.g.

2. Periodic Waves - A periodic wave is a series of regular timed disturbances in a medium.

e.g.

3. Progressive waves - This is a wave which travels out form the source that made it and
transfers energy from one point to another.

4. Transverse Waves- This is a wave in which particles of the medium move (displacement) in
a direction perpendicular to the direction that the wave moves. e.g. light, a wiggling string, ocean waves, and
ripples from a stone thrown into a pond

5. Longitudinal waves - a wave in which particles of the medium move (displacement) in a

direction parallel to the direction that the wave moves. e.g. sound waves, slinky
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Waves can also be categorized as follows in the diagram below:

Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves

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Parts of a Wave –
Transverse Wave - Displacement – Distance Graph

Longitudinal Wave - Displacement – Distance Graph

Parts of a Wave Definitions

Amplitude – Distance between the resting position and the maximum displacement of the wave
Oscillation – A complete oscillation occurs when the wave moves to and fro from its original position
and moves in the same direction as its original motion.
Wavelength – The wavelength (λ) is the distance between adjacent identical parts of a wave, parallel
to the direction of propagation.
Frequency – Number of complete wavelengths passing a point in 1 second (Hertz, Hz).

Period (Periodic Time) – Time it takes for one wave cycle to complete

**Home-Work  Worksheet 1-Class_Wave Basics-Multiple Choice**