Waves are fascinating phenomena that transfer energy from one place... Show more
Physics76 views·Updated May 14, 2026·2 pagesComprehensive Guide to Physics Waves
F
Freya @freya_zxco
1
of 2
Wave Basics and Types
Waves transfer energy while creating oscillations in a medium. The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the rest position to the peak or trough, representing the maximum disturbance. The wavelength measures the distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave (like peak to peak).
Wave speed depends on both wavelength and frequency, following the equation: v = f × λ. This means the speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength. You can rearrange this equation to find any of the three variables when you know the other two.
Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to their direction of energy transfer. Examples include electromagnetic waves, light, radio waves, and water ripples. In contrast, longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to their energy transfer direction, like sound waves and seismic waves.
Remember this! When a wave reflects off a surface, the angle of incidence always equals the angle of reflection. This principle applies to light, sound, and water waves.
Reflection occurs when waves bounce off a boundary. On flat surfaces (like mirrors), the normals all point in the same direction, creating specular reflection. On bumpy surfaces, normals point in different directions, causing scattered reflection which is why rough surfaces don't produce clear reflections.
2
of 2
Refraction and Wave Properties
Refraction happens when waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another. This occurs because waves travel at different speeds through different media. The denser the medium, the slower the wave travels through it.
When a wave passes into a different medium, its speed and wavelength may change, but its frequency remains constant. If the wave speed increases (such as light moving from water to air), the wavelength increases too. This relationship helps explain why light bends when moving between air and water.
Understanding key wave terminology helps you make sense of these phenomena. Frequency refers to the number of complete oscillations per second. The period is the time taken for one complete oscillation. Oscillation describes the back-and-forth motion about an equilibrium position.
Quick tip: To remember whether refraction bends light toward or away from the normal, think: "Slow to fast, bend away; fast to slow, bend toward." This works for all waves, not just light!
Electromagnetic waves (like light and radio) involve electrical and magnetic forces and can travel through a vacuum. Sound waves, however, are longitudinal waves that require a medium to travel through—they can't move through empty space.
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Physics76 views·Updated May 14, 2026·2 pagesComprehensive Guide to Physics Waves
F
Freya @freya_zxco
Waves are fascinating phenomena that transfer energy from one place to another without moving matter along with them. Understanding how waves behave helps explain everything from sound and light to water ripples and seismic activity.
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Wave Basics and Types
Waves transfer energy while creating oscillations in a medium. The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the rest position to the peak or trough, representing the maximum disturbance. The wavelength measures the distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave (like peak to peak).
Wave speed depends on both wavelength and frequency, following the equation: v = f × λ. This means the speed equals frequency multiplied by wavelength. You can rearrange this equation to find any of the three variables when you know the other two.
Transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to their direction of energy transfer. Examples include electromagnetic waves, light, radio waves, and water ripples. In contrast, longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to their energy transfer direction, like sound waves and seismic waves.
Remember this! When a wave reflects off a surface, the angle of incidence always equals the angle of reflection. This principle applies to light, sound, and water waves.
Reflection occurs when waves bounce off a boundary. On flat surfaces (like mirrors), the normals all point in the same direction, creating specular reflection. On bumpy surfaces, normals point in different directions, causing scattered reflection which is why rough surfaces don't produce clear reflections.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Refraction and Wave Properties
Refraction happens when waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another. This occurs because waves travel at different speeds through different media. The denser the medium, the slower the wave travels through it.
When a wave passes into a different medium, its speed and wavelength may change, but its frequency remains constant. If the wave speed increases (such as light moving from water to air), the wavelength increases too. This relationship helps explain why light bends when moving between air and water.
Understanding key wave terminology helps you make sense of these phenomena. Frequency refers to the number of complete oscillations per second. The period is the time taken for one complete oscillation. Oscillation describes the back-and-forth motion about an equilibrium position.
Quick tip: To remember whether refraction bends light toward or away from the normal, think: "Slow to fast, bend away; fast to slow, bend toward." This works for all waves, not just light!
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