Waves
Mia Gonzalez
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This AP Physics 2 study guide covers waves, including: \
- defining waves and how they transfer energy\
- transverse, longitudinal, mechanical, and electromagnetic wave types\
- wave anatomy (wavelength, amplitude, frequency, period, etc.)\
- key wave equations (period, frequency, and speed)\
- polarization\
- and includes practice problems and exam tips.
#AP Physics 2: Waves - The Ultimate Study Guide 🌊
Hey there, future physics pro! 👋 This guide is your one-stop shop for mastering waves in AP Physics 2. Let's make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace that exam!
#What is a Wave?
At its core, a wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium (a substance or material). Think of it like a ripple in a pond or a stadium wave – energy moves, but the water or people don't travel with it. 💡
- Energy is transferred without transferring matter.
- Particles in the medium return to their original position.
Think of a stadium wave: People stand up and sit down, but they don't move around the stadium. The wave moves, but the people stay put.
#Types of Waves
Waves come in different flavors, each with unique characteristics. Here's a breakdown:
- Transverse Wave: Particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction. Think of a rope being shaken up and down.
- Longitudinal Wave: Particles move parallel to the wave's direction. Think of a slinky being pushed and pulled.
- Mechanical Wave: Requires a medium to travel. These can be either longitudinal or transverse.
- Electromagnetic Wave: Doesn't need a medium; can travel through a vacuum. Always transverse.
Pay close attention to the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves, and mechanical and electromagnetic waves. These concepts are fundamental and frequently tested.
#Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves
- Longitudinal Waves:
- Disturbance travels parallel to the wave direction.
- Involves compressions (particles close) and rarefactions (particles far apart).
- Example: Sound waves
- Transverse Waves:
- Disturbance travels perpendicular to the wave direction.
- Involves crests (high points) and troughs (low points).
- Example: Water waves
#Mechanical vs. Electromagnetic Waves
- Mechanical Waves:
- Require a medium (like air, water, or a solid) to travel.
- Transfer energy through particle movement.
- Examples: Sound waves, surface waves
- Electromagnetic Waves:
- Do not require a medium; can travel through a vacuum.
- Transfer energy through oscillating electric and magnetic fields.
- Examples: Light, radio waves, X-rays
Remember: Mechanical waves ne...
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