CHAPTER 12 - Wave Motion

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the various properties of waves and calculation techniques for wave motion. A circular motion projected on to a vertical straight line is essentially of the type known as simple harmonic motion (s.h.m) and each small element of the water surface may, at least approximately, be assumed to be executing s.h.m. Simple harmonic motion is the simplest type of vibration possible. The velocity of the wave or, strictly, the phase velocity is a measure of the speed with which a point of any particular phase value advances. The vibrations of the individual elements occur along a line perpendicular to the direction along which the wave is travelling. Such waves are called transverse waves. If a metal plate with a vertical slit cut from its lower edge is placed vertically in the surface of the water in a ripple tank, then when a set of ripples travel normally toward it, that section of the waves that pass through the slit are found to spread out into the geometrical shadow. This phenomenon is known as diffraction. High frequency broadcast and television transmitters emit polarized radio waves with the vibrations either horizontal or vertical.