Glossary
Longitudinal Waves
Waves in which the oscillations of the medium are parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Due to their oscillation direction, these waves cannot be polarized.
Example:
Sound waves are a prime example of longitudinal waves, where air molecules compress and expand in the same direction the sound travels.
Polarization
The process of restricting the oscillations of a transverse wave to a single plane. This affects the orientation of the wave's vibrations.
Example:
Some 3D movie glasses use polarization to filter light, sending different orientations of light to each eye to create the illusion of depth.
Reflection
The phenomenon where a wave encounters a boundary between two different media and bounces back into the original medium. The wave's direction of travel changes, but it remains in the same medium.
Example:
A mirror works by reflection, causing light waves that hit its surface to bounce back, allowing you to see your image.
Transmission
The phenomenon where a wave passes from one medium into another, continuing its propagation. This process involves the wave's energy moving through the new material.
Example:
When light from a flashlight shines through a clear glass of water, the light undergoes transmission as it passes from the air into the water and then out again.
Transverse Waves
Waves in which the oscillations of the medium are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. These waves can be polarized.
Example:
When you shake a rope up and down to create a wave that travels horizontally, you are generating a transverse wave.
Wave Frequency
The number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point per unit of time. This property remains constant when a wave crosses a boundary between different media.
Example:
A high-pitched sound has a high wave frequency, meaning more sound wave cycles reach your ear per second compared to a low-pitched sound.
Wave Intensity
The average power transferred by a wave per unit area over one complete wave period. It quantifies the energy carried by the wave.
Example:
The brightness of a light source is directly related to its wave intensity; a brighter light means more power is transferred per unit area.