Propagation of Waves and Periodic Waves with Formula

Definition

Propagation of Waves

Waves are phenomena that propagate through space or within a material medium. They can have different natures, such as sound waves, light waves, or electromagnetic waves. The propagation of waves can occur longitudinally or transversely, depending on the direction of vibration of the particles constituting the medium.

In the case of longitudinal waves, the particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave propagation. This is the case with sound waves that propagate through air or other fluids.

In the case of transverse waves, the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This is true for light waves that propagate through a vacuum or transparent media.

Definition

Periodic Waves

Periodic waves are waves whose shape repeats at regular intervals. They are characterized by their period (T), which corresponds to the time taken by the wave to complete one full oscillation, and their frequency (f), which corresponds to the number of oscillations made per second. The relationship between period and frequency is given by the formula: f = 1/T.

Periodic waves can be represented by mathematical functions, such as sinusoidal functions. These functions allow for the description of the wave’s amplitude evolution over time. The amplitude corresponds to the intensity of the wave and represents the maximum deviation from the equilibrium position.

Periodic waves can also be characterized by their wavelength (λ), which corresponds to the distance between two corresponding points of two successive oscillations. The relationship between wavelength, propagation speed (v), and frequency is given by the formula: v = λ * f.

To Remember:

The propagation of waves and periodic waves are important concepts in physics. Understanding these notions allows for a better grasp of the functioning of wave phenomena and their applications in various scientific fields. By using the appropriate formulas, it is possible to calculate the frequency, period, wavelength, and propagation speed of a periodic wave.