Physics for Technology, Second Edition, 2nd Edition

15

Waves

This chapter will describe waves in general, but will focus on sound waves in particular. Common types of waves are water, light, sound, and radio waves (Figure 15.1). Although they are very different from one another, they share many characteristics. With the whole world going wireless, knowledge of waves and their properties is very important.

FIGURE     15.1   Water waves.

To create a wave, you must disturb the medium. In case of water, when you tap it with a stick, the disturbance will propagate outward (Figure 15.2). The actual water molecules touched by the stick do not travel outward. Disturbing the water merely pushes on ...