1-6 Sound Waves
How Is A Wave Formed?
Have you ever lined up dominos only to push one and watch the rest fall? Have you ever skipped pebbles across a river bed?
When doing these activities we see a continuous movement carried out by a single initial force. Because of the elasticity of matter, a motion produced in one part of an object soon causes other parts of the object to begin to move. This disturbance is referred to as a wave. This can be seen in the picture below:
Definition Of A Wave
Have you ever done the wave at a sporting event?
If this doesn't sound familiar to you check out this video: Chicago Bears Fans Do The Wave
When a crowd does the wave one person stands up with their hands in the air and sits back down as the person next to them repeats this motion. This motion travels throughout the crowd until we have reached the end of the people.
Likewise, a sound wave is the pattern of disturbances that occur as energy travels through a medium. As the object vibrates it disturbs air particles which thus disturbs other particles. This creates a wave effect which produces sound.
Types Of Waves
Longitudinal Waves- occurs when the wave moves parallel to the direction of energy placement
Transverse Waves- occurs when the wave moves perpendicular to the direction of energy placement
To see a longitudinal wave and transverse wave in motion: Types of Waves
- Remember even though the position is temporary displaced, it will eventually return to its original position for ALL waves.
Practice Problems:
1. What type of wave is shown here: Problem #1
Continue: #REDIRECT 1-7 How Does A Sound Wave Work?
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