Mathematical Physics and Newtonian Mechanics by Pearson

CHAPTER 8

Wave Motion

In science and technology, we generally deal with two types of waves, known as the (i) electromagnetic waves and (ii) mechanical waves. The electromagnetic radiation, comprising γ-rays, x-rays, UV-radiation, visible spectrum, IR-radiation, microwaves and radio waves, lie under the category of electromagnetic waves. For propagation of electromagnetic waves, the medium is not necessarily required. The largest speed of electromagnetic wave is in the vacuum and is denoted by c, having the value 3 × 10⁸ m/s. The velocity v of electromagnetic radiation in a medium with refractive index n is v = c/n. A mechanical wave necessarily requires a medium for its propagation. Example of mechanical wave is the sound wave; wave generated ...