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Waves

Mia Gonzalez

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.
Memory Aid

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
Key Concept

Remember: Mechanical waves ne...