PHYSICS 1A03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Angular Frequency, Density, Propagation Constant

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Physics
• Course: PHYSICS 1A03
• Professor: Christine Wilson

Document Summary

Characterize the motion of a wave as it travels through a medium. Model the motion and structure of a wave using a mathematical wave function. Describe the re ection and transmission of a wave that encounters the boundary of a. Relate the characteristics of the wave to the medium through which is travels. Identify the energy the is transported by a traveling wave medium. There is no mass being carried along with waves. The medium through which the wave travels is only temporarily displaced, it returns back to its original position once the wave has passed. An oscillation is when the medium experiences a repetitive displacement (also known as a vibration) For oscillations to occur, there is some impetus which causes displacement, and there is an ability for the object or medium to restore itself to its original position. A wave is the propagation of this oscillatory motion.