Wave Motion - Miami University

Wave MotionChapter 16 deals with the general properties of waves . We will be consideringseveral different types of waves ; however, here we ll concentrate on thosecharacteristics that are common to all :What is a Wave?Consider waves on a pondGeneral Definition of a Wave: A wave is an organized disturbance that travels at a well defined speed Note: the disturbance propagates, the medium (if there is one) has nobulk Motion . (The medium can oscillate, but it doesn t move with the wave.)Also, waves are very different than particles which are localized ( theyexist at a point). waves are spread out in space, but they do share afeature with particles: waves carry energy and things move by travelling oscillations of WavesWe will consider three general types of waves :1.) Mechanical waves Require a medium to propagate The wave speed is determined by the elastic properties and inertia of the medium Oscillations can be transverse or longitudinal to the wave direction Videoof mechanical waves (be honest, is this video too boring?

bulk motion. (The medium can oscillate, but it doesn’t move with the wave.) Also, waves are very different than particles which are localized (i.e. they exist at a point). Waves are spread out in space, but they do share a feature with particles: Waves carry energy and momentum. Sometimes things move by travelling oscillations –Waves.

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  Energy, Waves, Motion, Wave motion

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