PAGE 1 — INTRODUCTION TO WAVES
1.1 What is a Wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring
matter. Waves allow energy to travel through space, air, solids, liquids, and vacuum,
depending on the type.
1.2 Types of Waves
A. Mechanical Waves
● Require a medium (air, water, solids)
● Examples: sound waves, water waves, seismic waves
B. Electromagnetic Waves (EM Waves)
● Do not require a medium
● Can travel in vacuum
● Examples: light, X-rays, radio waves, microwaves
1.3 Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves
Transverse Waves
● Particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
● Examples: light, water surface waves
Longitudinal Waves
● Particles move parallel to the direction of wave travel
● Examples: sound waves, compression waves
, 1.4 Basic Wave Terms
● Crest: highest point
● Trough: lowest point
● Compression: region of high pressure (longitudinal)
● Rarefaction: region of low pressure
📄 PAGE 2 — WAVE PARAMETERS &
EQUATIONS
2.1 Amplitude (A)
● Maximum displacement of particles from the rest position
● Determines energy of the wave
● Higher amplitude = louder sound / brighter light
2.2 Wavelength (λ)
● Distance between two crests or two compressions
● Unit: meters (m)
2.3 Frequency (f)
● Number of waves produced per second
● Unit: Hertz (Hz)
2.4 Period (T)
1.1 What is a Wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring
matter. Waves allow energy to travel through space, air, solids, liquids, and vacuum,
depending on the type.
1.2 Types of Waves
A. Mechanical Waves
● Require a medium (air, water, solids)
● Examples: sound waves, water waves, seismic waves
B. Electromagnetic Waves (EM Waves)
● Do not require a medium
● Can travel in vacuum
● Examples: light, X-rays, radio waves, microwaves
1.3 Transverse vs Longitudinal Waves
Transverse Waves
● Particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
● Examples: light, water surface waves
Longitudinal Waves
● Particles move parallel to the direction of wave travel
● Examples: sound waves, compression waves
, 1.4 Basic Wave Terms
● Crest: highest point
● Trough: lowest point
● Compression: region of high pressure (longitudinal)
● Rarefaction: region of low pressure
📄 PAGE 2 — WAVE PARAMETERS &
EQUATIONS
2.1 Amplitude (A)
● Maximum displacement of particles from the rest position
● Determines energy of the wave
● Higher amplitude = louder sound / brighter light
2.2 Wavelength (λ)
● Distance between two crests or two compressions
● Unit: meters (m)
2.3 Frequency (f)
● Number of waves produced per second
● Unit: Hertz (Hz)
2.4 Period (T)
