Physical Science SPS 9 Properties of Waves part

Physical Science SPS 9: Properties of Waves (part 5) What is the difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves? 2. What is the electromagnetic spectrum? How do frequency and wavelength of the waves change as you go across the EM spectrum? 3. What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference? 1.

1. What is the difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves? Mechanical Waves Electromagnetic Waves • Require • Travel a medium/matter to travel through • Cannot travel in a vacuum • Can be transverse or longitudinal • Ex. sound by disturbing electric or magnetic fields • Can travel in a vacuum/ outer space • Are transverse • Ex. light

2. What is the electromagnetic spectrum? How do frequency and wavelength of the waves change as you go across the EM spectrum? Answer: Electromagnetic waves exist with a large range of frequencies. This continuous range of frequencies is known as the electromagnetic spectrum. As you travel from radio waves to gamma rays, the wavelength becomes shorter and the frequency/energy increases.

3. What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference? Answer: Constructive interference occurs when two waves within the same medium meet and join to form a larger wave. Destructive interference occurs when two waves within the same medium meet and lessen or destroy each other.