SSS TWO PHYSICS FIRST TERM

WAVE MOTION

Definition of terms

A wave is a physical disturbance which travels through a medium and transfers energy from one point to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium itself

Types of wave

Transverse wave This is a wave in which the direction of travel of the wave is perpendicular to the direction of vibration of the medium. Examples are waves in a plucked string, water waves, light e.t.c.

Longitudinal waveThis is a wave in which the direction of travel of the

wave is parallel to the direction of vibration of the medium. Examples are sound, vibrating tuning fork e.t.c.

Mechanical wavesThese are waves that require a material medium for their propagation e.g water waves, sound waves, waves on a rope or string e.t.c. Electromagnetic wavesThese are waves under transverse wave that do not require a material medium for propagation e.g light waves, radio waves, x-rays, gamma rays, ultra – violet rays, visible spectrum, infra red rays e.t.c. Travelling or progressive wave These are waves that spread out continuously. Standing or stationary wave.This is when two progressive waves of equal amplitude and frequency are travelling in opposite directions and combine together e.g wave obtained by plucking a string at both ends.

Assignments Give four differences between sound wave

and radio wave. State four conditions for production of

stationary wave. State four conditions for the formation of

interference wave patterns.