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- For a given amplitude, stiffer spring takes less time to complete a cycle of
motion
- Changing amplitude doesn’t affect the period
12.3 Properties of Waves
o Wave Motion
o A wave is the motion of a disturbance
The medium is the material through which the disturbance travels
• The medium doesn’t actually travel with the waves; once the wave passes,
the medium returns to its original position
• Mechanical waves are propagated through a deformable, elastic medium
o Wave Types
o Pulse wave: single, nonperiodic disturbance
o Sine waves describe particles vibrating with simple harmonic motion
Sine waves are a special case of a periodic wave in which the periodic motion is
simple harmonic motion
o Transverse waves: particles vibrate perpendicularly to the direction of the wave motion
Waves are measured in terms of both displacement from equilibrium and distance
between neighboring displacements
• Crest: highest point above equilibrium position
• Trough: lowest point below equilibrium position
• Wavelength (λ): distance wave travels during one cycle
o Can be measured between any equivalent points on adjacent
disturbances, but usually measured from crest to crest or trough to
trough
o Longitudinal waves: particles vibrate parallel to direction of wave motion
Example: sound waves in air
Often called density or pressure wave: crests correspond to areas of compressions,
troughs correspond to rarefactions