Wave Fundamentals
PHYS 210 · Module 3
This module introduces waves as disturbances that carry energy and information through space and time. Students study the wave equation, wave types, wave speed, wavelength, frequency, energy, and intensity.
Lessons in this module
The wave equation
The wave equation describes disturbances that travel without changing shape in ideal media. This lesson introduces traveling wave functions and the one-dimensional wave equation.
Transverse and longitudinal waves
Waves are classified by how the disturbance moves relative to the direction of propagation. This lesson compares transverse and longitudinal waves with physical examples.
Wave speed wavelength and frequency
Wave speed, wavelength, and frequency are connected by a universal relationship. This lesson explains the meaning of each quantity and what determines wave speed in different media.
Energy and intensity of waves
Waves carry energy through media or fields. This lesson explains energy transport, power, intensity, amplitude dependence, and inverse-square spreading.
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