Waves - UMD Physics

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WavesOscillations and Waves1/23/132Physics 132What s the difference?Oscillations involve a discrete set of quantities thatvary in time (usually periodically).Examples: pendula, vibrations of individualmolecules, firefly lights, currents in between twoatoms in a molecule r(t) Waves involve continuous quantities the vary in both space and time. (variationmay be periodic or not)Examples: light Waves , sound Waves , elastic Waves , surface Waves , electro-chemical Waves on neuronstr(t)Oscillationsy(t)Wavesy(x,t)x Waves involve continuous quantities the vary in both spaceand time. (variation may be periodic or not)Mechanical WavesExamples:Transverse or Longitudinal?WaveWave Type, , , Both= on stretched Waves in Liquids/ (Seismic) Waves in Waves on Waves : Disturbance (pulse) moves to of pulse determined by mediumShape of pulse determined by source of wave. v=TensionLinearMassDensityMaterial in string moves upand downWave speed versus Material SpeedOscillationsy(t)Wavesy(x,t)xWhat is the restoring Force?

Waves involve continuous quantities the vary in both space and time. (variation may be periodic or not) Examples: light waves, sound waves, elastic waves, surface waves, electro-chemical waves on …

  Waves