understand what a wave is and its properties describe examples of how waves are reflected by various materials describe examples of how waves are transmitted through various materials distinguish between light and sound waves describe how waves are transmitted or reflected calculate and identify the energy in a wave supporting claims on the reliability of waves being used for communication
A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without transferring matter. Waves can be classified as mechanical waves, which require a medium to propagate, or electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum.
Some properties of waves include wavelength, frequency, amplitude, and speed. The wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs, the frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a given point in one second, the amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position, and the speed of a wave is determined by the medium through which it travels.
When a wave encounters a boundary between two different materials, it can be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed. The reflection of a wave occurs when it bounces off a surface and travels back in the opposite direction. The transmission of a wave occurs when it passes through a material without being reflected or absorbed.
For example, when light waves hit a mirror, they are reflected, creating a mirror image. When sound waves hit a wall, they are partially absorbed and partially reflected, causing echoes.
Light waves and sound waves have distinct properties. Light waves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through a vacuum, while sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate. Light waves travel much faster than sound waves and have much shorter wavelengths.
When waves are transmitted through a material, the energy of the wave is carried along with it. The energy of a wave can be calculated using the formula E = hf, where E is the energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is the frequency of the wave.
Waves are reliable for communication because they can travel long distances without significant energy loss. Radio waves, for example, are used in telecommunications to carry information over long distances. The reliability of waves for communication is supported by their ability to be transmitted through various materials and their ability to be reflected off surfaces.