Wave Motion
- Energy is transferred through moving oscillations or vibrations. These can be seen in vibrations of ropes or springs
Waves can be shown through vibrations in ropes or springs
- The oscillations/vibrations can be perpendicular or parallel to the direction of wave travel:
- When they are perpendicular, they are transverse waves
- When they are parallel, they are longitudinal waves
Ripple tanks
- Waves can also be demonstrated by ripple tanks. These produce a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves
Wave effects can be demonstrated using a ripple tank
- Ripple tanks may be used to demonstrate the wave properties of reflection, refraction and diffraction