TYPES OF MECHANICAL WAVES

2S-PHY06

types of mechanical waves

start

Types of Mechanical Waves

CONTENTS

Introduction

Digital IM

Discussion

Learning Objectives

Assessment

References

Introduction

Mechanical waves are disturbances that propagate through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another. In contrast to electromagnetic waves, which can pass through a vacuum, these waves need a material medium to be transmitted. The two main types of mechanical waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves. Each type exhibits distinct characteristics and behaviors, contributing to their widespread applications in various fields.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe different types of mechanical waves. 2. Understand key characteristics of mechanical waves, such as frequency, wavelength, and amplitude. 3. Analyze the fundamental distinctions between transverse, longitudinal, and surface waves.

Mechanical Waves

Episode 1

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Wave

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Exploring Mechanical Waves

Mechanical Waves

Episode 2 Part 1

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Transverse WavesA transverse wave is a wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the wave moves.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Suppose that a slinky is stretched out in a horizontal direction across the classroom and that a pulse is introduced into the slinky on the left end by vibrating the first coil up and down. Energy will begin to be transported through the slinky from left to right. As the energy is transported from left to right, the individual coils of the medium will be displaced upwards and downwards. In this case, the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction that the pulse moves. This type of wave is a transverse wave. Transverse waves are always characterized by particle motion being perpendicular to wave motion.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Examples of Transverse Waves In transverse waves, too, the particles do not move along with the wave. They move up and down about their equilibrium positions. Some examples of transverse waves are:

• The ripples on the surface of the water
• The secondary waves of an earthquake
• Electromagnetic waves
• The waves on a string
• Stadium or human wave
• The ocean waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Longitudinal WavesA longitudinal wave is a wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction that the wave moves.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Suppose that a slinky is stretched out in a horizontal direction across the classroom and that a pulse is introduced into the slinky on the left end by vibrating the first coil left and right. Energy will begin to be transported through the slinky from left to right. As the energy is transported from left to right, the individual coils of the medium will be displaced leftwards and rightwards. In this case, the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction that the pulse moves. This type of wave is a longitudinal wave. Longitudinal waves are always characterized by particle motion being parallel to wave motion.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Examples of Longitudinal Waves The particles in the wave do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate back and forth about their own equilibrium.

• Sound waves in air
• The primary waves of an earthquake
• Ultrasound
• The vibration of a spring
• The fluctuations in a gas
• The tsunami waves

Mechanical Waves

Episode 2 Part 2

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Surface Waves A surface wave is a wave in which particles of the medium undergo a circular motion. Surface waves are neither longitudinal nor transverse. In longitudinal and transverse waves, all the particles in the entire bulk of the medium move in a parallel and a perpendicular direction (respectively) relative to the direction of energy transport. In a surface wave, it is only the particles at the surface of the medium that undergo the circular motion. The motion of particles tends to decrease as one proceeds further from the surface.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Examples of Surface WavesWater waves: Water waves are an example of both longitudinal and transverse waves. The movement of particles in water waves is in a clockwise direction. While the movement of the waves is in a transverse manner. We also need to understand that the radius of the particles decreases with an increase in the depth of the water.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Rayleigh surface waves:Rayleigh surface waves are another example of a combination of both longitudinal and transverse waves. These waves involve both up and down motion and side-to-side motion. Rayleigh wave is also known as the seismic wave, which causes the shaking of the earth in an elliptical motion. Of all the known seismic waves, the Rayleigh waves can produce a long wave duration on the seismographs.

Mechanical Waves

Episode 3

8 Quick Mechanical Waves Quiz

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

The three types of Mechanical Waves are Transverse, Longitudinal and Surface Waves.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

A transverse wave is a wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the wave moves.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which particles of the medium move in a direction parallel to the direction that the wave moves.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

A surface wave is a wave in which particles of the medium undergo a circular motion.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

A transverse wave can be created in a Slinky by moving it up and down.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

A longitudinal wave can be created in a Slinky by moving it back and forth.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

Water waves are an example of both longitudinal and transverse waves or surface waves. The movement of particles in water waves is in a clockwise direction. While the movement of the waves is in a transverse manner.

Types of Mechanical Waves

Types of Mechanical Waves

The type of wave that occurs in a string is called a transverse wave. In a transverse wave, the wave direction is perpendicular to the direction that the string oscillates in. In longitudinal waves, successive regions of compression and rarefaction move along the spring. The particles of the spring move back and forth parallel to the spring.

Types of Mechanical Waves

References

Admin. (2023, April 12). Transverse & Longitudinal Waves Definition & Examples. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/physics/mechanical-waves-transverse-waves-and-longitudinal-waves/ Measuring Waves Review : (n.d.). https://lsintspl3.wgbh.org/en-us/lesson/ilunctv18-il-ilmechwave/6 Physics tutorial: Categories of waves. (n.d.). https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/Lesson-1/Categories-of-Waves