1. Introduction
Introduction to wave theory and fundamental wave properties
What are Waves?
Waves are disturbances that propagate through space and matter, transferring energy without transferring matter.
They extend the concept of oscillations to include spatial propagation.
Key concepts include wavelength, frequency, amplitude, superposition, and interference.
Why Study Waves?
They explain how sound travels, how light behaves, and how earthquakes propagate through Earth.
They are fundamental to acoustics, optics, telecommunications, and quantum mechanics.
Applications
- Sound engineering and music
- Radio and wireless communications
- Earthquake analysis and seismology
- Medical ultrasound imaging
Prerequisites
- Understanding of oscillatory motion
- Trigonometry and basic calculus
- Vector mathematics
- Energy and momentum conservation
Module Breakdown
- Mathematical Description of Waves: Wave equation, amplitude, frequency, wavelength, phase velocity
- Superposition of Waves: Principle of superposition, constructive and destructive interference
- Harmonic Frequencies: Fundamental frequencies and overtones in resonating systems
- Defraction: Bending of waves around obstacles and through apertures
- Sound and Accoustics: Properties of sound waves, speed of sound in different media
- Pressure Sound Waves: Longitudinal pressure variations in sound propagation
- Intensity Sound Waves: Power per unit area, relationship to amplitude
- Decibel Scale: Logarithmic scale for sound intensity levels
- Standing Wave in a Pipe: Resonance in open and closed pipes, harmonics
- Doppler Effect: Frequency shifts for moving sources and observers
- Wave Properties of Light: Light as an electromagnetic wave, wavelength and color
- Huygens Principle: Every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets
- Polarisation: Transverse nature of light, polarization states
- Malus Law: Intensity of polarized light passing through polarizers