Waves

Progressive Waves

Waves are vibrations that carry energy from one place to another without transferring any material. Waves have multiple behaviours:

Reflection

Refraction

Diffraction

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Types of Waves

There are different types of waves: Transverse waves, Longitudinal Waves and Polarised Waves. Different waves are different properties and uses.

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Superposition

Superposition occurs when 2 or more waves pass through each other. Constructive interference occurs when 2 waves are in phase with each other and destructive interference occurs when 2 waves are out of phase (antiphase) with each other. Noise cancelling headphones work in the principle of destructive interference.

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Stationary Waves

A stationary wave is the superposition of the progressive waves with the same frequence and amplitude, moving in opposite directions. The first harmonic occurs when the string length is half a wavelength whereas the second harmonic occurs when the string length is one wavelength.

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