Wave Types in Physics Overview Essay

The study of physics allows not only to use of mathematical formulas to calculate problems and determine the nature of phenomena. This includes such a concept as “wave,” which finds multiple meanings in the physical sciences. Thus, this term combines any excitation of the medium, accompanied by the transfer of energy but not the transfer of mass (Lee). There are several categories of physical waves, depending on what medium is deformed and the nature of such a change. This essay aims to make a comparison between several types of waves.

First, it should be emphasized that the first criterion for distinction is based on particle motion in displacement. For example, if when a wave propagates in a medium, the displacement of its particles occurs in the direction of the wave itself, it is commonly referred to as a longitudinal wave. This change is caused by compression and stretching, which means that the medium can resist the change. Longitudinal waves are found, for example, in the propagation of sound. Alternatively, transverse waves exist in solids, which cause the particles of the medium to shift perpendicular to the wave itself. This occurs in layer-by-layer deformation, where one layer of the medium causes a shift relative to another. An illustration of a transverse wave is, for example, the deformation of a guitar string.

On the other hand, the criterion for comparing waves can be the nature of the medium, which is deformed under their influence. More specifically, a distinction is made between mechanical and electromagnetic waves, the difference between which is based on the study of the medium being deformed (Bozeman Science). Thus, mechanical waves cause changes in matter, while electromagnetic waves cause changes in the field. Thus, for electromagnetic waves, the matter is irrelevant. A mechanical wave is commonly referred to as a disturbance in a medium that propagates in space over time. Longitudinal and transverse waves discussed earlier are examples of the mechanical type of physical waves (Transverse). In contrast, an electromagnetic wave should be called an electromagnetic field that propagates in space over time. Illustrations of this phenomenon can be radio, light, or X-rays.

In addition to the fact that a wave is a dynamic process with spatial distinction, it should also be understood that it can be computed. In other words, waves as physical phenomena are studied by using appropriate formulas (Freesciencelessons). Any wave is characterized by the following parameters: its speed, length, and frequency. Velocity should be called the speed of propagation of perturbation of the medium or field per unit time. Therefore the formula [1] perfectly describes this metric. Wavelength is the distance between two adjacent points in perturbed space in which the wave is in the same phase. To calculate the wavelength, one can use the formula [1], rewritten as [2]. Finally, frequency is also an essential characteristic of any wave, defined as repetitions per unit of time. Again, the frequency can be found from [1] by writing this equation differently, as shown in [3]:

Thus, if the wave overcomes, for example, 331 meters in one second, then its speed is equal to 331 m/s. At the same time, using the formula [2], it can be understood that the wavelength of such a sound at a period T equal to 0.05 seconds is:

In this case, the frequency of this wave is:

In conclusion, it should be emphasized that waves are of serious importance in the physical sciences. They describe the transformation of the medium under external influence. They distinguish between mechanical and electromagnetic waves, which differ in the medium in which the disturbance occurs. In addition, waves are divided into longitudinal and transverse waves, depending on how the particles of the medium or field are displaced. As demonstrated in this essay, for each wave, simple calculations of velocity, length, and frequency can be made.

References

“GCSE Science Revision Physics “The Wave Equation”.” YouTube, uploaded by Freesciencelessons, 2018. Web.

“Lesson on Waves.” YouTube, uploaded by Lee, Andrew, 2010. Web.

“Mechanical and Electromagnetic Waves.”YouTube, uploaded by Bozeman Science, 2015. Web.

“Transverse and Longitudinal Waves Review.” Khan Academy, 2020. Web.