Waves

In this unit, we will discuss properties of waves and types of waves. Moreover, we will try to explain situations which can not be explained with light properties of matter. Disturbance of the shape of the elastic matters are transported from one end to other by the particles of that matter, we call this process  wave. Be careful, during the transportation, no matter is transported.

Waves are classified in different ways with their properties. For example, mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves are classified according to the medium they transport energy. Water waves and sound waves are examples of the mechanical wave, on the contrary, light waves, radio waves are examples of  electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic waves can propagate in a vacuum but mechanical waves need a medium to transport energy.

Waves can propagate in 1D, 2D and 3D. Spring waves are examples of 1D waves, water waves are examples of 2D waves and light and sound waves are examples of 3D waves.

We can categorize waves according to their propagation direction under two title; longitudinal waves and transverse waves.

Transverse Wave: In this types of waves, a direction of wave and motion of particles are perpendicular to each other. Picture given below shows this wave type.

Longitudinal Wave: In this type of waves, the direction of the particles and wave are same. Look at the given picture below.