Wave

Key Stage 3

Meaning

A wave is a vibration that transfers energy from one location to another.

About Waves

Waves can transmit energy and information from one place to another.

Waves travel through a medium that allows the vibration.

When a wave meets a boundary between two materials it can be:

• Absorbed - The wave disappears and the new material gains energy from the wave.
• Reflected - The wave bounces off the new material.
• Refracted - The wave enters the new medium changing direction as it does.

There are two types of wave; transverse and longitudinal.

In longitudinal waves the vibration is in the same direction as the energy transfer.

In transverse waves the vibration is perpendicular to the direction as the energy transfer.

Examples

Transverse Wave	Longitudinal Wave
This is a transverse wave on a string where the vibration is perpendicular to the motion of the wave.	This is a longitudinal wave on a string where the vibration is parallel to the motion of the wave.

Water Waves

A water wave appears as a transverse from the surface.

Sound Waves

Sound waves are longitudinal waves of compression.

Light Waves

Light waves are electromagnetic waves, which are transverse with the vibration at right angles to the motion of the wave.

References

AQA

Waves, page 181, GCSE Physics, Hodder, AQA

Waves, page 219, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA

Waves, pages 187-190, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Physics, CGP, AQA

Waves, pages 190-237, GCSE Physics; Student Book, Collins, AQA

Waves, pages 224-227, GCSE Physics; The Complete 9-1 Course for AQA, CGP, AQA

Waves, pages 73-90, GCSE Physics; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA