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Waves & Optics · Physics

Mechanical waves carry disturbances through a medium.

Learn the basic vocabulary (wavelength, frequency, speed), classify wave types, and connect wave shapes to physical motion in the medium.

This topic

Mechanical Waves

Focus on clear interpretation: what moves, what travels, and how the parameters relate.

Types
Transverse vs longitudinal waves
The key difference is the direction of medium motion relative to wave travel. This affects how you visualize displacement and energy flow.
  • Medium motion vs propagation direction
  • Examples: strings vs sound waves
  • Displacement vs compression descriptions
  • Common misconceptions to avoid
Start nano-lesson Ask: what oscillates?
Vocabulary
Wave parameters (λ, f, v)
Wavelength, frequency, and wave speed are linked. The most important skill is using the relationship consistently with correct units.
  • Wavelength as spatial period
  • Frequency as time rate of oscillation
  • Speed relationship v = fλ
  • Unit checks and interpretation
Start nano-lesson One relationship, many uses.
Propagation
Wave propagation in media
Mechanical waves require a medium. The medium’s properties determine how the disturbance travels and how energy is transmitted.
  • Why a medium is required
  • Energy transfer without bulk transport of matter
  • Speed depends on medium properties
  • What “wavefront” means conceptually
Start nano-lesson The medium sets the rules.
Math view
Mathematical description of waves
A wave function describes how a measurable quantity varies in space and time. Learn how to read it without over-focusing on memorized formulas.
  • Wave as function of x and t
  • Traveling wave idea (shape moves)
  • Phase: what “in step” means
  • Reading graphs and snapshots
Start nano-lesson Interpret first, compute second.
Practice
Practice & Exercises
Practice classifying waves, converting between parameters, and interpreting wave graphs clearly.
  • Transverse vs longitudinal identification
  • v = fλ computations with units
  • Snapshots vs time plots interpretation
  • Phase and “in step” conceptual questions
  • Exam-style mechanical wave sets
Open practice Label λ, f, and v on every problem.