Topic 5 Waves

Great wave off Kanagawa
Reprint by Adachi from the Shōwa period (between 1926 and 1989)

Introduction

In physics, mathematics, and related fields, a wave is a propagating dynamic disturbance (change from equilibrium) of one or more quantities.

In physical waves, at least two field quantities in the wave medium are involved.

Waves can be periodic, in which case those quantities oscillate repeatedly about an equilibrium (resting) value at some frequency. When the 'waveform' moves in one direction it is said to be a traveling wave; by contrast, a pair of superimposed periodic waves traveling in opposite directions makes a standing wave.


Standing wave

In a standing wave, the amplitude of vibration has nulls at some positions where the wave amplitude appears smaller or even zero.

A mechanical wave is a local deformation in some physical medium that propagates. For example, sound waves are variations of the local pressure and particle motion that propagate through the medium. Other examples of mechanical waves are seismic waves, gravitational waves, surface waves, string vibrations (standing waves)

In an electromagnetic wave (such as light), coupling between the electric and magnetic fields which sustains propagation of a wave involving these fields according to Maxwell's equations. Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.
Mechanical and electromagnetic waves transfer energy, momentum, and information, but they do not transfer particles in the medium. (Wikipedia Wave).

Sub-topics

 

Home page / Stage 1 home page