Progressive waves, wave terminology, the wave equation, transverse and longitudinal waves, intensity, the electromagnetic spectrum, polarisation and the Doppler effect.
Progressive waves
A progressive wave transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter; the particles of the medium oscillate about fixed positions. Key terms:
Displacement — distance of a particle from equilibrium.
Amplitude — maximum displacement.
Wavelength — distance between adjacent points in phase.
Period — time for one complete oscillation; frequency (Hz).
Phase difference — the fraction of a cycle (in degrees or radians) by which two points lag.
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