Particles in Waves
Introduction to Waves
A wave is a disturbance in a medium which moves from one point to another and carries energy without a net movement of particles. It may take the form of elastic deformation or a variation of pressure.
E.g. A rubber cork on the water that goes up and down when a rock falls into the water creates a ripple.
Particle Motion of Mechanical Waves
(i) Transverse Waves
Particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion. This type of wave is a mechanical wave.
E.g.Light and Mexican wave in a stadium.
(ii) Longitudinal waves
Particles travel parallel to the direction of wave motion by means of successive compressions or elongations. This is also a mechanical wave.
E.g. Sound waves in the air.
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