11

Wave Motion
Progressive Waves Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

A progressive wave is a waveform that advances Important Graphs
and transfers energy from one point to another,
whereas the wave particles undergo SHM ❶ Displacement-distance graph
(Chapter 10). ❷ Displacement-time graph
❸ Pressure-distance graph (longitudinal only)
Terms Description
Energy of a Wave

Energy carried by a wave E ∝ f 2A2
Power P
Intensity of a wave I = where area is
Area A
perpendicular to wave propagation. If wave
propagates uniformly in all directions without
1 1
losses, then I ∝ . Since I ∝ A2, A ∝ .
r2 r
Power received by a receiver is given by
Preceived = Intensity x Areceiver

Wave speed (v/ms-1) Speed of propagation Polarisation
distance λ of energy of wave
v = = = fλ,
time T Polarisation is a phenomenon associated only
1 with transverse waves.
where frequency f =
T
Phase difference Phase indicates state
(φ/rad) of vibration of
∆x particles in terms of
Φ = 2π , where ∆x is
λ angles.
the displacement
between two Phase difference
particles. between two particles
along a wave is the
difference in their
phase angles.


Wave particles
For polarization of unpolarised waves:
vibrating in the
Amplitude unchanged, intensity halved.
same/opposite

direction are said to
For polarization of plane-polarised waves:
be in phase/π out of
A = A0cosϑ, Malus’ Law gives I = I0cos2ϑ.
phase.


Finding frequency and wavelength of sound
Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Frequency and wavelength of sound can be
In a transverse/longitudinal wave, the direction determined with a calibrated cathode ray
of vibrations is perpendicular/parallel to the oscilloscope C.R.O, but to find wavelength, the
direction of wave propagation. sound must be reflected.

© Dawn Teo. 2018. Consultant: Raymond Cai @jcphysics.com