Summary

• Waves are oscillations that transfer energy.

• Mechanical waves require a medium, which means they can travel through solids, liquids and gases, but not through a vacuum.

• Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium, which means they can travel through solids, liquids and gases, as well as through a vacuum.

• All waves require a source of oscillations.

• Mechanical waves require the disturbance of a medium.

• Electromagnetic waves require a source that generates an oscillating electromagnetic field.

• Transverse waves involve oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

• Longitudinal waves involve oscillations that are in line with the direction of energy transfer.

• Surface waves involve oscillations that are circular.

• Frequency is the number of wave cycles per second. It is measured in hertz (Hz).

• Wavelength is the distance a wave travels during one cycle.

• Amplitude is the maximum distance of oscillation from the central starting position.

• Velocity is how fast a wave travels through space.

• Waveforms are graphical representations of waves.

• They show amplitude as the height of peaks and wavelength as the distance between two peaks.

• Frequency, wavelength and velocity are mathematically related, as shown by the following formula:

• .

• Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional.

• Amplitude does not affect frequency, wavelength or velocity.

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