Wave Definitions Elastic Medium A medium that allows

Wave Definitions

• Elastic Medium A medium that allows for the transfer of waves by acting as if it were an array of particles connected by springs with each particle having an equilibrium or rest position. • Disturbance A build up of energy in a system which allows for the propagation of a wave.

Pulse • A single non-repeated disturbance.

Crest and Trough • A crest is region of upward displacement in a transverse wave. • A trough is an area of downward displacement in a transverse wave.

Compression and Rarefaction • A compression is the area of a longitudinal wave where the particles are closer together than the equilibrium position. • A rarefaction is the area of a longitudinal wave where the particles are farther apart than the equilibrium position.

Phase • Phase is used to describe the position and direction of motion of a particle on a wave. • Two particles are in-phase if they have the same displacement and are moving in the same direction. • Two particles have opposite phase if they have opposite displacements and are moving in opposite directions.

Wavelength • Wavelength is the distance between any two consecutive points on a wave that are inphase. • The example to the left is only for transverse waves.

Frequency and Period • Frequency is the number of oscillation or waves that occur per unit time. • Period is the amount of time that passes as one complete wave passes a given point.

Speed • Speed is the time rate of motion for a wave. Speed = Wavelength • Frequency

Amplitude • Amplitude is the maximum displacement in the y direction. • The amplitude of a wave is an indication of the wave’s energy.