Waves – Meaning, Types, and Formulas

What are Waves?

A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium (or space) and carries energy from one place to another without the transfer of matter.

In simple words – Waves are energy moving from one point to another .

Two Main Types of Waves:

1. Mechanical Waves – Need a medium to travel (air, water, solid).

   • Transverse Waves: Particles move perpendicular to wave direction.
     Example: Water waves, light on a rope.
   • Longitudinal Waves: Particles move parallel to wave direction.
     Example: Sound waves.
2. Electromagnetic Waves – Do not need a medium, can travel in vacuum.
   Examples: Light, radio waves, X-rays.

Important Terms:

• Wavelength (λ\lambdaλ) – Distance between two consecutive crests or compressions.
• Frequency (f) – Number of wave cycles per second.
• Time Period (T) – Time for one complete wave cycle.
• Amplitude (A) – Maximum displacement of particles.
• Wave Speed (v) – How fast the wave travels.

Wave Speed Formula:

Where:

• v = wave speed
• f = frequency
• λ (lambda) = wavelength

Daily Life Examples:

• Ripples in water.
• Sound coming from a speaker.
• Light from the Sun reaching Earth.

Summary:

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They can be mechanical (need medium) or electromagnetic (travel in vacuum).