Topic 1 · pp. 33–37 · Free
Topic Notes · Easy summaries with diagrams
Chapter 12 — Chapter 12 — Waves
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📘Easy summary
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter; particles only oscillate about mean positions. Mechanical waves need a medium (water, sound, rope, seismic waves). Electromagnetic waves need no medium, travel at 3×10⁸ m s⁻¹ in vacuum (light, radio, X-rays). Transverse: particles vibrate perpendicular to wave direction — crests (highest) and troughs (lowest) (rope, water ripples, light). Longitudinal: particles vibrate parallel to wave direction — compressions and rarefactions (sound, slinky push).
⭐Key points
- Energy moves, matter doesn't.
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
Rope shaken up-down: transverse wave.
💡Exam tip
- Lowest point = trough.
✅Quick check
1. Longitudinal vibration:
2. Needs medium:
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