Wave Basics
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 3.1.1
Waves - Examples
Waves transfer energy from one place to another without transferring matter. Wave motion (the movement of waves) can be shown by the vibrations of a spring or by water waves.
Springs - transverse waves
- Hold one end of a horizontal spring in a fixed position and move the other end of the spring up and down.
- We can observe a wave moving from the end we are holding towards the fixed end of the spring.
Water
- When a wave travels along the surface of water, a cork floating on the surface of the water will only move up and down as the wave passes.
Test yourself on Wave Basics
What do waves transfer?
How will a cork behave in water when waves are present?
What do waves transfer?
Spring Vibrations Experiment