In this lesson on Wave Principles, which is part of Unit 4 Area of Study 1 for VCE Physics, you’ll learn how to:
- explain a wave as the transmission of energy through a medium without the net transfer of matter
- distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves
- identify the amplitude, wavelength, period and frequency of waves.
What are transverse, longitudinal and electromagnetic waves?
A transverse wave is a wave whose oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave or path of propagation.
On the other hand, a longitudinal wave is a wave in which the displacement of the medium is in the same direction as, or the opposite direction to, the direction of propagation of the wave.
An electromagnetic wave is created as a result of vibrations between an electric field and a magnetic field.
What are the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves?
In the following two videos, go over the properties of transverse and longitudinal waves with a demonstration of each in the second video.
Wave principles are a fundamental concept in VCE Physics that describe the behaviour and characteristics of waves. Waves are disturbances that propagate through a medium or through space and can be classified based on their properties such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and speed.
One of the primary wave principles is the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed, which is described by the equation: wave speed = frequency x wavelength. This relationship is essential in understanding how waves travel through different mediums and how their properties change based on the medium through which they propagate.
What are the differences between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?
The video below goes over the properties of mechanical and electromagnetic waves, contrasting and explaining the differences between the two.
Wave Mechanics
Another key wave principle is wave interference, which occurs when two or more waves interact with each other. Depending on their relative phases, the waves can either constructively or destructively interfere with each other, leading to an increase or decrease in amplitude, respectively.
Other wave principles include reflection, refraction, and diffraction, which describe how waves interact with surfaces, boundaries between different mediums, and obstacles, respectively.
Understanding wave principles is crucial in many areas of physics, including optics, acoustics, and electromagnetism, and is essential in applications such as communication technologies, medical imaging, and engineering.
Looking for more resources on concepts other than wave principles? Check out more of our VCE Physics resources!
