- Sound waves are longitudinal and mechanical.
- Light slows down, bends toward the normal and has a shorter wavelength when it enters a higher (n) value medium.
- All angles in wave theory problems are measured to the normal.
- Blue light has more energy. A shorter wavelength and a higher frequency than red light (remember- ROYGBIV).
- The electromagnetic spectrum (radio, infrared, visible. Ultraviolet x-ray and gamma) are listed lowest energy to highest.
- A prism produces a rainbow from white light by dispersion (red bends the least because it slows the least).
- Light wave are transverse (they can be polarized).
- The speed of all types of electromagnetic waves is 3.0 x 108 m/sec in a vacuum.
- The amplitude of a sound wave determines its energy.
- Constructive interference occurs when two waves are zero (0) degrees out of phase or a whole number of wavelengths (360 degrees.) out of phase.
- At the critical angle a wave will be refracted to 90 degrees.
- According to the Doppler effect a wave source moving toward you will generate waves with a shorter wavelength and higher frequency.
- Double slit diffraction works because of diffraction and interference.
- Single slit diffraction produces a much wider central maximum than double slit.
- Diffuse reflection occurs from dull surfaces while regular reflection occurs from mirror type surfaces.
- As the frequency of a wave increases its energy increases and its wavelength decreases.
- Transverse wave particles vibrate back and forth perpendicular to the wave direction.
- Wave behavior is proven by diffraction, interference and the polarization of light.
- Shorter waves with higher frequencies have shorter periods.
- Radiowaves are electromagnetic and travel at the speed of light (c).
- Monochromatic light has one frequency.
- Coherent light waves are all in phase.
Wave Phenomena Facts
Wave Phenomena Facts