Wave

In this article, we will elaborately discuss the differentiation between transverse wave vs longitudinal waves with a detailed explanation.

Depending upon the propagation of the waves with the vibrational motions of the particle, the waves are differentiated into two; the longitudinal waves and the transverse waves.

What is Transverse Wave?

A transverse wave penetrates in a direction making 90 degrees with the path due to the oscillations of particles.

Transverse waves are formed due to the vibration of particles. If the motion of particles vibrating is in the y-axis then the wave will propagate in the x-axis.

The transverse waves are also called the shear wave as these waves can lead to deformation of the object upon which these waves are traversed. They are sustained for the shortest distance and are not able to penetrate from fluid mediums although they travel over the liquids. They can travel only from solid state.

Read more on 4+ Refraction Of Waves Examples: Detailed Insight And Facts.

What is a Longitudinal Wave?

The motion of the longitudinal waves is along the path traversed by the vibrating particles.

The energy of the vibrating molecules is transmitted to the subsequent molecules in the path, and hence the wave propagates along with it.

The longitudinal waves can travel through any medium and hence travels at a longer distance. Unlike the transverse wave, the longitudinal wave consists of regions of compression and rarefaction instead of trough and crest respectively. The density of waves is highest at the compression than that of rarefaction.

Difference between frequency and wavelength of a transverse wave and longitudinal wave

The wavelength of a transverse wave is a length between two subsequent crests or troughs and is consistent with time throughout the propagation. The amplitude of the wave may decrease at the time of vanishing but the wavelength is constant. The frequency of the transverse wave remains constant through the propagation of the wave.

The frequency of the longitudinal wave is highest in the compression region than that of rarefaction. The density of the wave is less in the region of rarefaction and hence the pressure is the minimum, whereas, the pressure is more where the density of the waves is more. Due to the pressure difference the heat is generated, hence constant temperature conditions are required which is essential for the propagation of waves at a longer distance.

Read more on Effect Of Refraction On Frequency: How, Why Not, Detailed Facts.

What are seismic waves?

Seismic waves are of two types, s-wave, and p-waves. The s-wave is a transverse wave and the p-wave is a longitudinal wave.

Seismic waves are generated due to the plate tectonic activities like an eruption of magma, plate movement causing convergent or divergent plates, earthquakes, landslides, explosives, etc.

These are low frequency waves that are mostly not even felt by human beings. Seismometers are used to trace the wave to get alerts of activities beneath the Earth’s crust. Well, a p-wave called a primary wave is the first to trace in the seismometer which is a longitudinal wave. As the molten magma rises upward the movement of the particles produces vibrational waves. The longitudinal waves are capable to pass any medium, thus crossing the asthenosphere, and are traced on seismometers that give the evidential alert of volcanic activities before the myth hit the surface crust.

Whereas, the shear waves are not able to penetrate the liquid state asthenosphere which is rich in tetrahydrate molten magma. Unable to traverse through, the s-wave also called secondary waves can travel only through the solid rocks. It gives an idea of only the activities happening on the Earth’s crust.

Read more on Effect Of Refraction On Wavelength: How, Why, Detailed Facts.

Direction of Propagation of Transverse Waves and Longitudinal Waves

If the oscillation of the particles is on the y-axis then the transverse wave will propagate on the x-axis. The transverse wave always travels at an angle of 90 degrees to the motion of the vibrating particles.

If the oscillation of the particle is in the x-axis then the longitudinal wave will travel on the x-axis. The longitudinal wave travels in a plane making an angle of 180 degrees to the direction of motion of vibrating molecules.

Polarization of Transverse and Longitudinal Wave

Polarization is a method to avoid the vibrations of a wave by restricting it to one direction of propagating.

The source is said to the polarized if the vibrations from the incident source are confined only in one direction on polarization.

The transverse waves when passed from one vertical slit and one horizontal slit, the waves will traverse unpolarized from the first slit and on proceeding to the horizontal slit; no vibrations of the particle will pass through giving zero amplitude of a wave. Hence, the transverse waves can be polarized.

When the longitudinal waves are made incident on the slits with the same position instead of transverse waves, the wave passes through both the slits without getting polarized.

Read more on Perpendicular Polarization: Several Entities And Facts.

Graph of a Transverse Wave and Longitudinal Wave

The graph of transverse wave can be plotted as a displacement of the wave due to the vibrational pattern of the particles v/s the distance traveled by the wave.

The graph shows the variations of the wave along with the distance. The transverse wave can also be plotted in a graph of displacement v/s time to show the displacement of the wave over time.

As the density of the waves varies in the longitudinal waves, the variations of the density due to the compression and rarefaction of the wave are observed by plotting a graph of density v/s distance as shown below for longitudinal waves.

The above graph shows the variations in the density of the waves due to compression and rarefaction of the wave along with the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. A brass wire of length 100 cm is plucked applying a tension of the string of 250N. The mass of the string is 0.25 grams. Calculate the speed of the transverse wave generated on the wire.

Given: m=1.25 grams

T=250N

L=100cm=1m

The mass per unit length is m/l=1.25/1=1.25 grams

The speed of the transverse wave is given by the equation

v=√T/m

v=√(250N/1.25g)

v=200m/s

The speed of the transverse wave is 200 m/s.

What is the wavelength of the transverse wave?

A wave is made up of crest and the trough.

The wavelength of the transverse wave is the displacement of the particle to complete one oscillation. On a graph, it is the path length between crests or troughs.

What are compression and rarefaction?

The compression and rarefaction of a wave are formed due to the pressure difference experienced in the wave propagation.

This is due to the fact that the density of the waves in the compression region is more where the pressure felt is more as compared to the region of rarefaction.

If the propagation of the transverse wave is in the y-direction, then in which direction do the particles move?

The propagation of the wave makes 90 degrees angle with the path traced by the vibrating particles.

Hence, the movement of the particle has to be in the y-z plane, as both the planes are perpendicular to the x-directional axis.

Which waves are produced during a tsunami?

The longitudinal, as well as the transverse waves, are produced due to tsunami.

The transverse waves are generated in the oceanic floor due to the secondary waves produced from the oceanic floor. These transverse waves are then converted into longitudinal waves as they approach the seashore.

Why transverse waves can propagate only from solid mediums and not from gaseous mediums?

A transverse wave propagates through solids and on the surface of liquids.

A transverse wave is generated through the deformation of the solid as the solid has a shear modulus and therefore they undergo stress, liquid or gases do not possess this as they don’t have a definite shape.

Also Read:

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• How to calculate the energy of seismic waves
• Electromagnetic waves types
• What is the speed of a transverse wave
• How are light waves produced
• How to measure energy in a gravitational wave detector
• Does amplitude of wave change
• Are transverse waves mechanical
• Sound wave equations
• Destructive interference of wave example

Are transverse waves mechanical? Mechanical waves can be transverse or longitudinal waves depending upon the wave that undergoes propagation.

The mechanical waves are basically categorised into three, and they are namely, transverse waves, longitudinal waves and surface waves so on. These waves will depend on the type of motion the wave undergoes.

Before we discuss are transverse waves mechanical or not, we shall see the types of mechanical waves in detail and then conclude the question. The three different waves occur in different conditions of wave motion.

The transverse waves are the ones that will vibrate or oscillate up and down in the medium that is propagating. The transverse waves generally will vibrate right angles to the medium of propagation.

These transverse waves usually happen in the solid matter that is elastic, and the waves will be displaced from their original position. And the waves will be acting in the direction that is right angles to the medium.

Light waves are the best example of a transverse wave and the only visible quantity of the electromagnetic spectrum because all the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum are transverse waves.

Longitudinal waves are the ones that will propagate in a straight line that is horizontal to the medium of propagation. It is in contrast to the transverse waves. Generally, sound waves are regarded to be longitudinal waves.

Next is the surface wave, which propagates in between two surfaces. Gravitational waves are the best example of surface waves. The surface wave passes through the solids, liquids and gas. The surface wave is another type of mechanical wave.

How transverse waves are mechanical?

Transverse waves are the type of mechanical wave that will usually propagate through a medium in the vertical direction.

Now that we know, transverse waves belong to the mechanical wave. The properties of a transverse wave are that it will travel in one direction, not along the direction of the medium. Also, it will have two dimensions to the medium.

Let us take some of the examples to understand the transverse wave better. Consider we go to a lake, and we will want to play with the stones by throwing them into the water. What will happen when we throw stones into the water?

The stone thrown into the water will make ripples in the water. It means the waves have been produced in the water. How are they produced? When a stone is thrown into the water form a distance , the particle in the surroundings will be acting in the direction along with the direction of the wave.

From the little bit of science, we know mechanical waves are the waves that require a material medium to propagate, and they will be propagated in such a way that the waves either travel along with the medium or perpendicular to the medium.

The transverse waves are mechanical waves that sometimes take the aid of the medium to propagate through, leaving the particles around the waves to also vibrate with them. This way, we know that transverse waves are mechanical waves.

Why are transverse waves mechanical?

Transverse waves are mechanical because they require a medium for propagation. Some of the good examples are light waves through a spectrum, sound waves, gravitational waves and radio waves so on.

The mechanical waves are basically divided into three types of waves which are seen in most everyday real-life activities too. The three types of waves are named to be, transverse wave, longitudinal wave, and surface wave.

The mechanical wave has properties in such a way that all three types of mechanical waves will come under the same property. So a mechanical wave requires a medium to propagate, and it will vibrate inside the medium.

And so are the transverse waves which require a medium for propagation, and they vibrate in such a way that it is vertical to the medium of propagation. They have two dimensions in consideration of the medium.

We must know the properties or parameters per se of the mechanical wave. They have amplitude, frequency, speed, wavelength and time period. The wave propagation in a medium will be affected by all of these parameters.

Firstly we need to understand that waves are basically the carrier of energy from one medium to another. The best and most typical example of this is the sunray. The sun rays are a collection of waves in them carrying energy in them which travel from one medium to another.

Likewise, there are several other real-life examples that could be used to understand the mechanical waves and their types, mainly it answers the question are transverse waves mechanical?

Mechanical transverse wave example

We know that transverse waves are one of the types of mechanical waves which inherit the properties of the mechanical waves in their propagation through any medium.

The transverse waves are the ones that require a material medium for the propagation of waves through them. The waves generally move up and down inside the medium, making a perpendicular alignment with the medium of propagation. Here are some of the few examples of transverse waves that are mechanical.

• Water Ripples
• Musical String Vibration
• Light Waves

Water Ripples

When we strike a stone into the pond or a lake containing water, we will be able to see a set of patterns instantly after the stone throw. The reason is when the stone is thrown, the particle around the water will align themselves in the direction of the stone.

So when the wave disturbance due to the stone throw occurs, there will undoubtedly be a pattern. That pattern is nothing but the up and down motion of the waves.

These waves are said to be right angles to the medium of propagation which means they are perpendicular to the direction of the water movement.

So this whole process of the stone throw and the pattern appearing in the water is all due to the transverse waves in action, meaning they will always propagate only with the help of a medium in presence.

Musical String Vibration

In this case, the strings play a significant role in creating the vibration in and around that particular instrument. So whenever we move the strings of the guitar, we can see there will be vibration in an uneven pattern.

The pattern formed will be right angles to the guitar since we know that the propagation of the waves is always orthogonal to the direction of the medium.

We also know that a wave has different factors which affect it, and those will also be a part of the wave propagation through a medium. The top node of the wave is called the crest, and the bottom node of the wave is called the trough.

When these two meet each other, then there will be a wave formed. The wave also travels at a particular speed and at a given time. The frequency of the wave matters too.

Light Waves

Light wave is one of the best examples of transverse waves. Since the light waves contain energy that is to be transmitted from one medium to another, they always have their motion up and down the medium.

Light waves are generally electromagnetic waves, and all electromagnetic waves are transverse waves in nature. Also, light waves prove the facts that they are transverse waves mechanical.

Radio waves are also an example of transverse waves. They require a medium for the transaction of energy and sometimes sound too. Since the radio waves come under the electromagnetic spectrum, by nature, radio waves are also transverse waves.

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• Can sound waves be reflected
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• Does longitudinal wave travel
• How are light waves produced
• Effect of wavelength on refraction
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Are transverse waves visible? The answer is both yes and no. Electromagnetic waves are the ones that come under the transverse waves.

The electromagnetic waves are the set of waves spread over in a spectrum having their own wavelengths. Except for real-world examples, the transverse waves are usually not visible. The transverse waves, especially the electromagnetic waves, are not visible to the naked eye.

Visible light is the only quantity of the electromagnetic spectrum which is observable to the naked eyes. Also, being an example of the transverse wave, we can regard the transverse wave to be visible in this case.

The electromagnetic waves mainly are the components dealing with air and the medium through which it passes. It can be the best example to illustrate how the transverse waves work in general.

When we consider the matter to be solid or liquid, whether transverse waves are visible in these conditions is questionable. We also must be able to know the factors which aid in identifying whether transverse waves are visible or not.

Transverse waves are seen in the form of visible light that radiates energy. When asked are transverse waves visible, indeed, yes, they are visible. So let us see the other factors which make the transverse waves visible.

Why are transverse waves visible?

Why are transverse waves visible? The characteristic of transverse waves is that they vibrate in such a way that the waves move up and down in a medium and do not form a straight path.

For example, we threw a stone into the water, and we can instantly see the movement of water in a specific pattern. The reason is water also have waves contained in them, so when a stone is thrown, it will, particles in the water will vibrate up and down.

The up and down movement is one of the main characteristics of the transverse wave. The wavelength of visible light has values that ranges between 400 to 700 nanometres.

The rest of the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum will be not seen as the wavelengths differ. The transverse wave now will travel in any given medium as it has the properties in such a way that it does not follow a particular path.

The properties of transverse waves are in such a way that they will propagate in a medium that is basically perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Whenever there is propagation, transverse is considered to have a two-dimension in them.

So the light waves and radio waves are primary waves that follow the medium of propagation. The transverse waves exhibit a few characteristics of a wave, such as a wavelength, frequency and amplitude.

Having this information this in mind, we need to move forward in determining the transverse waves and their direction as well. Mainly these waves are visible to the naked eye only observing the results of the wave propagation in such cases.

How are transverse waves visible?

Let us see using an example to understand how are transverse waves visible to the naked eye. When you strike a stick into any pond and move it in a circular motion, we can see a circular pattern.

The circular pattern will tell us that the waves present in the pond are vibrated along with the tick that is in motion in the pond. So the particles that are present in the surroundings of the pond will instantly align themselves in the direction of the stick.

When the stick moves, the particle present around will automatically move to make the vibrations circular, and hence we can witness the presence of the transverse waves in this particular process.

Another good example is the resonance of the tuning fork; when a tuning fork is taken and stroked hard on the surface, the two ends of the fork will move up and down along with a diminishing sound as well.

The above-mentioned examples are real-life examples that aid us in understanding the concept of the transverse waves in action.

Why is visible light a transverse wave?

Visible light is an electromagnetic wave made up of waves that carry energy as well. The waves, when travelling through a medium, they become an instant explanation to the transverse waves.

The wavelength of light makes it to be observable in such cases. The particles present around the light waves will also start vibrating with the wave and move vertically to the medium that is, right angle to the direction.

When we know that transverse waves are always in contrast to longitudinal waves, there will be a mix of both waves in a particular medium. For example, when earlier it was mentioned about the tuning fork, although the waves act in a straight direction, there is always an up and down motion of the waves.

The light waves have electric fields and magnetic fields connected to them. So when a light wave is in propagation, the electric field and magnetic fields will align in such a way that we can possible observe the visible light with our naked eyes.

It is the main reason why light waves are visible to us rather than any other waves in general. Transverse waves will be visible when a particular wavelength of an electromagnetic spectrum becomes an observable quantity, and so is the light wave.

The light wave is the one that has so many characteristics to it when we consider them in different scenarios. In transverse waves, the crests and troughs vibrate in such a way that the direction is always perpendicular to the medium of propagation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are radio waves transverse waves?

All the electromagnetic waves are transverse waves, so is the radio waves.

It is a known fact that radio waves come under the category of electromagnetic waves. Since electromagnetic waves are the best example of a transverse wave, radio waves are also transverse waves. Sound waves are considered to be longitudinal, but this will be negated when EM waves are considered as a whole.

Is a mechanical wave a transverse or longitudinal wave?

Mechanical waves can both be transverse as well as longitudinal waves.

Mechanical waves are the waves that require a material to propagate through. Basically, sound waves are termed mechanical waves as they require a material medium in order for their propagation. These mechanical waves can be transverse or longitudinal according to the medium chosen for their propagation.

What do you mean by non-mechanical waves?

Non-mechanical waves are the one that does not require any medium for their propagation or the transmission of energy.

When energy travels in the form of a particle, then there will be a requirement of a medium for its propagation. So the medium less wave propagation is regarded to the non-mechanical transmission like the electric field waves and the magnetic field waves. The mechanical wave requires a material medium for the propagation of the wave, but the non-mechanical waves do not require any medium.

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• Destructive interference of wave example
• How to find energy from wavelength
• Amplitude of a wave example
• Telescope in gravitational wave research
• Does wavelength affect diffraction
• How did the concept of wave particle duality come about
• Longitudinal wave example
• Amplitude of a wave 2
• Electromagnetic waves types

Destructive interference of wave example is a more straightforward way to understand the concept in the easier way possible.

When we take certain actual life events into consideration, we end up learning the concept in an easy way. Destructive interference of wave examples has a direct influence on the learning process of such concepts.

• Gravitational Wave
• Radio Wave
• Automobile Muffler
• Speaker Waves
• Musical Instruments

Gravitational Wave

Gravitational waves have two different kinds, and they are gravitational solid weak gravitational waves.

Here in this condition, only the weak gravitational force will be considered to interact with each other waves. When two waves mix or go hand in hand with each other, then there will be a specific process occurring.

The process mainly depends on how the two waves interfere with each other. If the amplitude of the wave seems to be the same then, the resultant wave is said to be a destructive interfered wave.

When the crest of one wave meets the top node that is the crest of another wave, we get a resultant wave. This happens when the waves meet up with each other in the exact location. When the end wave is larger than the individual wave, we call it destructive interference.

There is also another question saying, what if the higher wave meets the weaker wave? They generally act like the water wave in mechanical terms. When we know that two waves are interfering with one another, there will definitely be a result in terms of destruction.

The weaker wave of gravitational force is basically like one of the light and the sound waves. In this wave, there is energy present as in there will also be mass in the wave, so when one strong wave pulls another weak wave, there are chances for a black hole scenario.

The wave of gravitational is that they will travel at different speeds and different locations. So finding the frame is a little tricky. Hence this is how the destructive interference comes into action.

When two different waves travel, and when they interfere with each other due to the amplitude values, they will cancel out each other. This is the reason behind the destructive interference occurring with waves in contact with one another.

Radio Wave

The radio wave is one of the electromagnetic waves that have a lower frequency. The radio wave will come under the destructive interference of wave example. There will be destructive interference happening within.

Radio waves are generally used for transmission and primarily for sound waves. In specific devices, radio waves are being used since they are the lightest wave and can be received quickly. Radars are setups that used mainly use radio waves in order to transmit and receive signals.

When the signals have been transmitted in terms of waves, there are chances for them to interfere with one another. When such a thing happens, the waves merge and are large or merge and be small, depending upon the amplitude of the individual waves.

The radio waves have the wavelength that is available in the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are used in radios because the waves are helpful in transmitting and receiving signals in an easy way that the waves can be detected instantly.

While the waves are being transmitted, they will undoubtedly interfere with each other. When the waves interfere with the crest of the wave and the trough of another wave, then there is said to be destructive interference.

The resultant wave is more significant if only the interference is constructive, but if the wave is minimal compared to the individual wave, then they are said to be destructive interference. So radio waves will come under destructive interference of wave example.

Automobile Muffler

The automobile muffler is attached to any vehicle because they are termed as the noise canceller in vehicles.

The mufflers are run by the concept of destructive interference. The waves travelling in the same medium and in the exact location will cancel out on each other because of the different amplitudes.

The muffler is nothing but a silencer called in the local term. What happens in the muffler is that the gases let out by the vehicle will be internally combusted using the internal combustion mechanism.

The air-bone noise in the vehicle is usually reduced by the combustion method, and the muffler is used to lessen the process. The waves present in the process will cancel out each other.

The cancellation of the waves is mainly due to the ends of opposite sides meeting one another. The crest of one wave, that is, the top node of the wave, meets the trough of another wave that is the bottom node of the wave.

So the crest and trough of two waves meeting one another will eventually cancel out each other. The resultant wave will be a wave with a smaller amplitude. The muffler is basically one of the sound destructive interference of wave examples.

Speaker Waves

Say there are two speakers kept in a vast hall, so when the music is turned on, if the sounds coming from the speakers do not match, then we call it as destructive interference of wave example. The speakers mainly deal with the sound waves in general.

The waves in the speaker travel as sound, and when they cancel out on each other, it is termed destructive interference. The amplifier also contributes in some way to cancel out the wave. The sound is amplified, and when it reaches the speaker, so the sound waves play a significant role in delivering the music to the listeners.

The destructive interference is the one where the waves having different phase differences will negate each other. Therefore we get a wave as a result where the amplitude is much smaller than the individual one.

The speaker must be connected to the amplifiers for a better result as it will deliver a much better sound of music. So the destructive interference of waves will be there in speakers that deliver different sounds with different frequencies.

Musical Instruments

The guitar comes under the category of musical instruments, which has mainly sound waves connected with each other.

Mainly flute deals with the sound waves by itself without the aid of the secondary instrument. So all kinds of musical instruments come under destructive interference of wave examples. The waves often tend to interfere with each other in the process of transmitting the sound signal to the surroundings.

In guitars, the waves travel in such a way that they often interfere and be destructive or constructive. So tuning in guitars is essential so that when they are heard through the speaker, the sounds are in phase with each other.

The destructive interference is due to the negation of two waves when they encounter each other in the same medium and at the exact location. Hence in such cases, it is normal to have waves being interfered with.

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Interference of waves means a circumstance during which the two waves gets overlap.

Wave interference examples occur in the following:-

Lightwave interference

Interference is a happening under which two light waves collide.

And after the collision, their amplitude becomes either greater, lower or remain the same as the original waves. Interference can be anywhere around the world. However, indeed, we do not see interference patterns all around. In most common real-life, Interference of light can be seen. This happens because light waves, although they generate everywhere, get reflected from the reflective surface.

Due to this, the light waves are randomly found everywhere. But for Interference to occur, it is necessary that the light waves are of the same amplitude or, say, In the same phase. Which means they should be coherent sources. And as light waves around us are not generated from a single source, Interference can not be seen everywhere.

Interference of light waves are of two types:-

• Constructive light wave interference 
• Destructive light wave interference

Constructive light wave interference:

The two light waves are in the same phase in constructive light wave interference. Due to this, their crest and trough get to add up, and their amplitude is increased.

Destructive light wave interference: 

In destructive interference, when two waves interfere in each other paths then, it results into a mismatch which means their crest are and trough are canceling out each other. Here crest of one wave falls on the trough of the other wave and vice versa. Due to their amplitude is decreased.

Radio waves Interference

Radio waves interference happens when two radio waves have a collision in their pathways.

Radiofrequency waves interference can be understood as a circumstance under which, due to the conduction or radiation of radio frequencies, energy‘s causes a formation of sound from an electrical device that interferes with the function of the device aside from it. 

Due to radio waves Interference, there is also an interruption in the functioning of the satellite. Like all other wave interference, radio wave interference has its implications. Radio wave interference causes Interference in the normal functioning of electrical devices.

There are various causes behind Interference of radio wave interference. A few of them are as follow.

Natural phenomena like Lightning strikes, Static electricity, Thermal shot, Solar radiation from the sun, hurricanes in tropical or temperate regions can alter electromagnetic radiations. They are causing radio waves Interference. The second example is electrical or mechanical devices, like electric light bulbs, personal computers, laptops, gaming devices, mobile phones and many more.

Sound wave interference

The circumstance under which two sound waves collide is known as the Interference of sound waves.

Sound waves are also similar to any other interference of waves.

Sound wave interference is also of two types:-

• Constructive Interference in sound waves
• Destructive Interference in sound waves

Constructive Interference in sound waves

Constructive Interference depends upon how the waves are going to interact. If the two sound waves collide in their path in such a condition, they compliment each other.

Complementing each other shows that during a constructive sound wave interference, the top of one wave lies on the top of the other sound wave in its path. And simultaneously, the depression of one sound wave falls on the depression of the second sound wave in its path. Due to this, the amplitude of the resultant wave increases and is in the same phase.

Constructive sound wave examples is an auditorium.

Destructive Interference in sound waves

Destructive Interference depends upon how the waves are going to interact.

If the two sound waves collide in their path in such a condition, they degrade themselves. This means during a destructive sound wave interference, the crest of the first wave falls on the trough of the second sound wave. And consequently, the depression of the former sound wave falls on the top of the later sound wave. Due to this, the amplitude of the resultant wave decreases, and they get out of phase.

Destructive sound wave examples are: Headphones

Water wave interference

Interference of water waves can be explained as a situation under which water waves originating from two-point sources collide with each other.

Due to this, there is the superimposition of waves causing Interference of water waves. For Interference, the principle of superimposition is to be implied. According to this, if two or more waves are travelling in the same medium, the average displacement between the two waves is the vector sum of the displacement caused by them individually.

There are two types water waves interference:-

• Constructive water wave interference
• Destructive water wave interference

Constructive water wave interference

The constructive water wave interference happens when two waves of the same frequency add ups to increase their amplitude.

When the two water waves collide in their proceeding path in such a condition, they compliment each other. This implies that a constructive water wave interference, occurs when the top of the former wave rests on the top of the later water wave in the path of interfering each other. And consequently, the depression of the former water wave lies on the depression of the later water wave in there path.

Due to this, the amplitude of the resultant wave increases and is in the same phase.

Destructive water wave interference

The destructive water wave interference happens when two waves of the same frequency cancel out, and their amplitude decreases.

In destructive water wave interference, the two water waves degrade themselves when colliding in their path in such conditions. This means during a destructive water wave interference, the crest of the first wave falls on the trough of the second water wave.

During this time, the depression of the former water wave lies on the top of the later water wave in path. Due to this, the amplitude of the resultant wave decreases, and they get out of phase.

Also Read:

• Longitudinal wave example
• Does longitudinal wave travel
• Examples of electromagnetic waves
• How to find energy from wavelength
• How to find wavelength of transverse wave
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• How to find energy of a wave
• Why does energy exhibit wave particle duality
• Amplitude of a wave 2
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In this post, we will understand does amplitude increase in a wave: its factors and detailed facts, and characteristics.

Amplitude is a crucial character of a wave that helps determine the nature of the wave’s energy. The factors that increase the amplitude are increasing its length, sound, movement, etc. It won’t get affected by wavelength and frequency.

Now, to understand whether amplitude increases in a wave, let us move forward into the article.

Wave: Definition, Meaning and Nature

Wave is a critical nature of light and a disturbance created in any media that transfers the energy through propagation.

In physics, the term has a simple definition. It is a type of vibration that occurs through any movement that creates a disturbance in the medium through which energy is carried between points through the components such as amplitude, frequency, and wavelength. The wave type generally depends on the medium from which it propagates. Also, the main two types of waves are longitudinal and transverse.

Let’s know the other component that is amplitude.

Amplitude: Concept, Meaning and Types

Amplitude is taken as the length equal to the half component of one wavelength.

It is the distance measured in meters that any particle moves in a disturbance medium that will be calculated from bottom to peak crest from the reference point. If we consider one whole wavelength, the amplitude will equal half of its length.

Now to focus on the central part of this article, i.e., does amplitude increase in a wave.

Does amplitude increase in a wave?

Amplitude increases in a wave when the wave contains more energy and vibrations.

The amplitude of any wave that depends on the media it travels helps measure the energy amount carried by that wave during propagation. The energy that moves per unit point for that unit time along a particular direction is called intensity. So, whenever the intensity is more, that will be surely due to an increase in amplitude. Therefore, we can infer that amplitude does increase in a wave.

Now to know the factors that help increase the amplitude of a wave. Or what increases the amplitude of a wave.

What increase amplitude of a wave?

The increase in the amplitude of a wave is observed when the length between the peak and bottom trough increases.

To increase the amplitude of a wave, we can increase the movement or distance. For sound waves, if we increase the volume, it automatically increases the amplitude of a wave. At the same time, you skip a rope and increase the skipping speed, even in this case, amplitude increases. So, from all the facts considered above, we can say that increasing the source of energy that transfers in a media changes the amplitude of a wave.

Let us see how an amplitude increase in a wave.

How does amplitude increase in a wave?

The process along which an amplitude increase in a wave includes specific movement that has to be performed on the matter in which the wave propagates.

Let’s consider a thread and make it oscillate faster by increasing its movement. We can increase the length of amplitude that leads to an increase in amplitude, creating a path to carry more energy particles during the wave propagation. All these facts of increasing the sound increasing the speed increase the amplitude.

To learn what leads to an increase in the amplitude of a wave.

When does amplitude increase in a wave?

When there is more disturbance or vibration in a medium, amplitude increases in a wave.

Due to more vibration, the wavelength increases lead to the increase in the height of amplitude of a wave. When the amplitude increases in a wave, it carries more energy and gains higher intensity; in terms of sound waves, if the intensity is high, then the quality of sound will be loud.

To understand the relation between amplitude and a wave.

Relation between amplitude and a wave

The many characteristics of a single wave consist of its wavelength, amplitude, frequency, intensity and velocity.

All these characters help measure the amount and type of energy that a wave carries. The relation between amplitude and waves goes like this; when a higher amplitude generates the capacity for a wave to carry energy. If there is less amplitude, the wave carries and transfers lesser energy.

To study the different examples of amplitude increase in a wave or higher amplitude.

Examples of amplitude increase in a wave

The crucial and essential examples of amplitude increase in a wave or higher amplitude are explained below;

• Increasing the brightness of any source of light
• Tuning in to a radio station
• While increasing the volume of any music device

Increasing the brightness of any source of light

When you try to increase the brightness of any source of light, you have first to increase the amplitude of its wave. The length of the amplitude is increased by increasing the length of the wave, which leads to higher amplitude and high energy of particles. Therefore, increasing the brightness of any light source will be an excellent example of does amplitude increase in a wave.

Tuning in to a radio station

While you listen to a radio, you keep changing the stations to get a clear voice; at one point, you will listen to loud and clear music on a radio, and it will happen due to an increase in amplitude length that helps provide a strong signal. If the signal is low and not clear, the amplitude will be at its minimum. Tuning to a radio station is a primary example of a wave’s higher amplitude or amplitude increase.

While increasing the volume of any music device

When you make any variation in the sound system, there will undoubtedly be some changes in amplitude. If you try to increase the loudness of the system, this loudness will occur due to the increase in amplitude length, which leads to a louder voice or sound.

These are detailed examples of an increase in amplitude.

What is the meaning of a high amplitude wave?

The term high amplitude wave indicates that the wave carries more energy while transferring the matter in a propagation medium.

For a high amplitude to occur, the length of the amplitude must be to its maximum, creating a long path to help the wave carry more energy and transfer more particles that will lead to more propagation in the medium and help increase the amplitude.

Now to understand the concept of low amplitude.

What is the meaning of a low amplitude wave?

The term low amplitude wave indicates that the wave carries less energy while transferring the matter in a propagation medium.

For a low amplitude to occur, the length of the amplitude must be to its lowest, creating a smaller path that will lead to less energy transfer with lesser particles that will lead to less wave propagation in the medium.

The above mentioned are some of the detailed concepts of does amplitude increases in a wave.

To know more: Examples of amplitude wave

Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

On what factors does the amplitude of a wave depend?

The wave’s amplitude depends on the medium from which it is propagating, and the factors differ in each type of wave.

The factors which change the nature of amplitude of a wave are.

• Energy to the extent with which the wave propagates
• Height of the amplitude
• Vibration

On what factors does the amplitude of a wave does not depend?

The main factors that do not affect the amplitude of a wave are mentioned down.

• The frequency at which the wave propagates
• Wavelength
• Velocity at which the wave moves

Do both higher amplitude and higher frequency have the same meaning?

Both higher amplitude and higher frequency differ from one another.

The amplitude carries energy in a wave between specific points, and the frequency is related to the period. Both amplitude and frequency affect the amount of energy carried by waves. If both amplitude and frequency are high, then even the energy carried by the wave will be more.

How does the amplitude of a wave measure the energy carried by a wave?

The wave’s amplitude generally tells the amount of energy that a wave carries during propagation.

Amplitude measures the length of any wave from its peak point to the bottom trough. We can analyse the amount of energy by measuring the amplitude length; if the length is long, it leads to higher amplitude and higher energy. In contrast, if the length is short, it leads to low amplitude and low energy of wave.

What are the methods used to increase amplitude?

There are specific methods that we use to increase the amplitude of waves.

The critical method used to increase the amplitude of a wave is by creating significant movement, or more loudness in music, by speaking in a very high pitch, etc.

How does amplitude affect light?

Light is a type of wave that indeed consists of amplitude to measure its brightness.

To determine the type of light and the amount of its brightness, we consider amplitude. If the amplitude is more, the light waves will have more brightness, and similarly, if the amplitude is low, the light waves have less brightness.

Can we say that amplitude is directly proportional to wavelength?

Amplitude and wavelength are not directly proportional, as amplitude is a part of wavelength.

Wavelength is, in general, taken from crest to crest or trough to trough. At the same time, the amplitude is the measure between bottom and crest or vice versa.

Also Read:

• Examples of electromagnetic waves
• Refraction of waves examples
• What is the speed of a transverse wave
• Are transverse waves mechanical
• Why does energy exhibit wave particle duality
• Energy and wavelength relationship
• How to find the amplitude of a wave
• Can longitudinal waves travel through a vacuum
• How does a microwave sensor work
• Types of sound waves

In this article, we are going to discuss different wave properties of diffraction with detailed facts and examples.

The following is the list of wave properties of diffraction that we are going to see in the topic:-

1. The amount of diffraction depends upon the amplitude of the wave

If the amplitude of the wave is larger than the size of the opening, then the wave will bend more to pass through the opening, and hence the wave will diffract more.

The length of the slit is greater than the amplitude of the wave focused through the slit then the wave will easily penetrate through without diffracting.

2. The smaller the size of the opening, the more will be the diffraction seen

If the size of the opening is bigger, then it will be easy for light to penetrate through, and hence, no diffraction of light will be seen.

If a beam of wavelength λ is pass through a slit of length ‘2d’, where the amplitude of the wave passing through a slit is almost equal to the length of the slit, then the wave will bend less to penetrate through the slit as shown in the below figure.

If the reduce the length of the opening of a slit to half, that is ‘d’, then now the light wave will bend more to pass through the slit.

Due to this, the diffraction of the light wave seen will be more. As we keep on reducing the size of the slit, more and more light wave bending will be observed and hence more diffraction will be seen.

Read more on Reflection vs Diffraction: Comparative Analysis.

3. The light waves diffracting from the openings forms the interference patterns

In case, there is more than one opening through which light waves can travel, the fringes of the waves will interfere with each other forming different patterns like the one shown below.

The waves interfering with each other form various patterns depending upon the size of the slit, the number of slits through which waves can travel, diffraction of light, and wavelength of the beam.

4. The wave bends around the edge of the obstacles on diffraction

When the wavelength is comparably equal to the dimension of the barrier on which it strikes, the wave bends towards all the edges of the barrier and we can see the diffraction of the light.

If the wavelength is less compared to the dimensions of the obstacles, then the light wave will not bend towards the edges and no diffraction will be observed.

If you have noticed, even if there is only one loudspeaker in a hall at one corner, the entire audience is able to hear the sound amplified from the loudspeaker. This is due to the diffraction of the sound wave. The sound waves bend when encounters every small object in the hall and when strikes the walls of the hall, and even spreads outside the hall by bending from the opening of the hall like doors and windows.

Since light bends towards the edges of the objects we can see the bright edges of the translucent or opaque objects.

Read more on 9+ Diffraction Of Light Examples: Detailed Insight And Facts.

5. The greater is the diffraction angle if the wavelength is shorter

The diffraction of the wave is governed by the equation,

Sinθ =nλ/d

Where θ is a diffraction angle

λ is a wavelength

D is the width of the aperture

Hence, diffraction angle θ is equal to,

θ =Sin^-1nλ/d

From the above equation, we can say that, as the wavelength of the beam increases, the angle of diffraction will decrease accordingly.

Read more on Does Wavelength Affect Diffraction: How, why, When, Detailed Facts.

6. The minima of the wave are not perfectly dark on diffraction

The minima of the wave is a dark fringe formed on the screen. The intensity of the light wave at minima is very low compared to the maxima of the diffraction pattern.

The minima are not perfectly dark as compared to that formed by the minima formed by the interference pattern which is completely dark.

7. All maxima are not of the same intensities

The intensity of the maxima at the center of the pattern formed on the screen due to diffraction is the maximum and diminishes as we go towards left and right from the center.

This is due to the fact that the intensity of the light decreases as the distance from the source increases. The distance between the source and the center of the screen where we get the bright fringe is the shortest distance that we can have between the source and the screen and increases equally as the separation from the center increases.

Read more on Diffraction vs Dispersion:Comparative Analysis.

8. The diffraction fringes are not equally spaced

The distance between the fringes is wider at the center of the diffraction pattern formed on the screen and goes on reducing as we go away from the center.

The intensity of the light is highest at the center and the width of the fringe is bigger compared to subsequent fringes. The width of the fringes diminishes at successive fringes and therefore the spacing of the fringes decreases consecutively.

Read more on Does Frequency Affect Diffraction:How And Detailed Facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is diffraction?

The angle at which the beam of light diffracts depends upon the wavelength of light.

If the wave propagating in a medium encounters an obstacle or an opening, then a wave will bend, and travels through or change the direction of propagation, this phenomenon is called diffraction.

What are some examples of diffraction of waves?

There are various examples of diffraction that we come across in nature.

The waves spreading across the ocean, scattering of light from the small slits, sound traveling all across the corners of the room and even outside, etc are some examples.

How interference is different from diffraction?

Diffraction can occur by only one wave whereas at least two waves are required to interfere to produce an interference pattern.

The minima formed due to interference is perfectly dark, the fringes are of equal intensities and are equally spaced; so is not in the case of the diffraction pattern.

What is the central maximum in case of diffraction?

The central maximum lies at the center of the diffraction pattern.

The intensity of the light is maximum at the center as the distance between the source and the screen is minimum hence it is called the central maximum.

Where is the fringe width maximum in the diffraction pattern?

It is a gap between the dark and bright fringes of the diffraction pattern formed on the screen.

The fringe width is maximum at the center of the diffraction pattern and decreases along with the intensity of the light towards both sides horizontally.

Also Read:

• Can sound waves be reflected
• Transverse wave vs longitudinal wave
• How to find energy of a photon from wavelength
• Examples of electromagnetic waves
• Why does light exhibit both wave and particle characteristics
• How to find energy with given wavelength
• How to calculate photon energy from its wavelength
• Electromagnetic waves types
• How to find the amplitude of a wave
• How to find the frequency of a wave

A single wave consists of many specifications; one among them is amplitude. In this post, we will know the amplitude of wave examples.

The term amplitude measures the distance of a point present on any vibrating object that travels to its maximum length from the point of equilibrium. Amplitude will measure half-length, i.e., from crest to trough. Depending on the nature of amplitude, there are various examples.

Now let us explore the different amplitude of a wave example.

The amplitude of a wave example

Amplitude is also a component used while studying the components of a wave. It, in general, measures how much maximum energy it carries from crest to trough or vice versa. Below are a few amplitudes of a wave example that we use familiarly in real life.

• Launching of a rocket
• Ripple sound of water produced in lake
• Rustling of leaves
• The swinging of a clock pendulum
• Working of Ferris wheel
• The amplitude of Radio waves
• Voice of women
• Listening to music
• Cheering by Audience
• Skipping a rope
• Playing the guitar
• The amplitude of waves during an earthquake
• The amplitude of waves in Tsunami
• Different Electromagnetic waves
• Sound waves
• Vibrating objects
• Graph of Sinx

Launching of a rocket

The sight of Launching a rocket will be a pride moment for every country. When the rocket or any missile is launched, the blast will create a loud sound heard in distant places. The sound waves generated by the blast will be maximum due to the very high amplitude. Therefore, the launching of the rocket is the best amplitude of a wave example.

Ripple sound of water produced in lake

When you accidentally throw a stone into the water body. You observe some sound and a circular pattern that forms around the stone. Here we must notice that the water wave’s amplitude will be measured from the higher point of the wave to the res. If there is a low ripple sound, it measures low amplitude; if there is a high ripple sound, it measures high amplitude.

Rustling of leaves

When there is a wind blow, we observe the rustling of leaves. The rustling of leaves makes some noise, which is produced due to sound waves. We can measure the loudness of these rustlings by measuring the length of the amplitude.

The swinging of a clock pendulum

In ancient times, the pendulum clock was seen in every household. The time was known to us by the swinging sound of the pendulum. The sound used to be loud for peak hours as there were maximum sound waves and minimized the sound used for certain other hours due to more minor sound waves. We can see that the pendulum swings from its mean position to back and forth. The change in amplitude measures the loudness of sound, and swinging the pendulum is a primary amplitude of a wave example.

Working of Ferris wheel

The Ferris wheel is an enjoyment that we usually experience in fairs. The giant Ferris wheel works with oscillation; in this oscillation, we produce waves to measure the amplitude. The amplitude of the oscillating waves is calculated from the equilibrium point; for the variation of the speed of the Ferris wheel, the amplitude changes.

The amplitude of Radio Waves

The radio waves have the longest wavelengths compared to any other electromagnetic waves. In general, the radio waves travel back and forth motion from their equilibrium point. The amplitude at its peak gives the maximum energy value of a radio wave that measures the length between its one crest and one trough. The measure of the amplitude of radio waves contains a specific formula.

Voice of women

Usually, the voice of females has more pitch when compared to that of men. When a female speaks, certain emotions will lead to variations in sound waves. If the waves are less in height, then the amplitude will be less, leading to low voice, whereas, for a loud voice, the wavelength will be more with higher amplitude.

Listening to music

When we listen to some music, we frequently increase or decrease the volume. When we change the volume, we make variations in the frequency of music that leads to a change in loudness and can calculate this loudness with the help of amplitude. A similar process occurs when we change the volume of the show that we are watching on television or any video platform.

Cheering by Audience

During a high-voltage sports match, it may be cricket, football, kabaddi etc. The crowd who will be witnessing the match will cheer for their team. While cheering, the audience may start to cheer loudly, increasing the sound waves that lead to maximum amplitude. The crowd sometimes performs certain activities, such as raising their arms in a wave. These are some different amplitude of a wave example.

Skipping a rope

We have tried the game of skipping a rope in our childhood. If you notice this game, there will be the formation of waves when you skip the rope; the creation of these waves indeed consists of amplitude, higher the length of the wave, maximum will be the amplitude. It also signifies the wave’s energy that can be classified by high and low amplitude.

Playing the guitar

Listening to the music of the guitar is such a calming experience. When an individual plays the guitar, the guitar’s strings vibrate, leading to the creation of sound waves that produce soothing music. The guitars produce different bass and music, and each has different amplitudes. Can use the pitch of the sound to determine the nature amplitude and frequency.

The amplitude of waves during an earthquake

During the earthquake, there will be so much destruction. The earthquake is mainly due to the waves; if the amplitude of these waves is maximum, then there will be more destruction and sound; if the amplitude is less comparatively, then there will be less abruption.

The amplitude of waves in Tsunami

Even for all the natural disasters, there will be certain variations in waves that may be longitudinal or transverse. In Tsunamis, there will be specific variation in water waves; the extent of energy can be measured by its amplitude from its rest to the peak position. If the wave amplitude becomes maximum inside the water, that will lead to high tides called Tsunamis.

Different Electromagnetic waves

The different electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to gamma waves from the electromagnetic spectrum, have varieties of applications globally. In everyday life, we experience these waves in our mobiles, television, medical instruments and used in industries for food processing, manufacturing etc.

These various waves have different amplitudes based on their wavelength, The longest wavelength has the maximum amplitude, and the shortest ones will have the lowest amplitude. The electromagnetic waves will be one of the best amplitude of a wave example used to measure the extent of energy carried by any wave.

Sound waves

The sound wave is usually generated from a medium of music, volume and loudness. The length of the amplitude of a measure is a key to calculating the loudness of any music. The distance between the highest point and trough of the amplitude is calculated from its mean point to know the extent to which the sound energy is produced. Using the formula, if we measure the amplitude and if it results high, then the sound will be loud, whereas if the amplitude is less, then the loudness will be less. . Sound waves are one of the essential applications of the amplitude of a wave example.

Vibrating objects

The vibration of any object indeed leads to the creation of waves, and its nature depends on the medium from which it is created. Every object when gets disturbed from its rest it leads to vibration. If the length measured from peak to trough will be maximum, there is a large amplitude resulting from a high vibrating object. There will be low amplitude for a less vibrating object that results in a quiet sound. All these vibrations that lead to a change in amplitude are measured from the rest point. The vibrating objects are certainly a primary amplitude of a wave example.

Graph of Sinx

When you draw a graph for sinx for any experiment, we will observe a wave diagram; in this graph, the extreme points are considered the amplitudes measured from their equilibrium positions. If there is a high amplitude, the value will be more; if there is a low amplitude, the value will be less. Graph of sinx will be in the form of a wave to measure amplitude.

These are some primary amplitude of a wave example that can be seen globally.

Frequently Asked Questions on Amplitude of wave | FAQs

What do you mean by a wave?

In simple terms of physics, waves are certain disturbances generated in any media.

Waves are meant for transferring a certain amount of energy to a different point in the form of oscillation. It propagates in a specific direction when an object undergoes vibration.

What are the different types of a wave?

The different types of waves rely on the media from which it is produced. The main two types of waves are below,

• Longitudinal: Perpendicular
• Transverse: Parallel

What is the definition of the amplitude of the wave?

In the simple language of physics, the amplitude is the distance between one crest and one trough.

The wave’s amplitude is defined as the calculation of the height of the wave from its peak to resting. It helps measure the amount of distance that the vibrating atoms move to their maximum extent in media from its reference point. If the amplitude is more, there will be more sound, and if there is less amplitude, the sound will be weak or quiet.

What are the factors that affect the amplitude of the wave?

The main conditions that play an essential role in creating variations in the amplitude of a wave are as mentioned.

• The variation in frequency from its atmosphere and the source of the wave affects its amplitude.
• The disturbances present in the source’s atmosphere affect its amplitude.
• The quantity of energy used by the wave’s source to generate sound affects its amplitude.

Also Read:

• Electromagnetic waves types
• How does a microwave sensor work
• Types of sound waves
• How to find amplitude of transverse wave
• Wavelength
• How to find the frequency of a wave
• Transverse wave example
• How to find wavelength of transverse wave
• Why does light exhibit both wave and particle characteristics
• Refraction of waves examples

The physical phenomenon of bending of waves is known as wave refraction. The refraction of waves examples are given below.

• Refraction in sound waves
• Refraction in light waves
• Refraction in water waves
• Refraction in radio waves

Refraction in sound waves

The deflection observe in the path of a sound wave because of a change in medium is known as refraction of sound waves. Now let us understand sound wave refraction with the help of an example.

A natural example of sound wave refraction is a difference in the atmosphere’s temperature around us. As we all know, the source of energy for the earth is the sun. When heat rays fall on earth, it heats the earth’s surface. Along with heating the earth’s surface, the air mass above it is also heated.

As we know, the air mass is heated, which means its particle is moving faster. So it will rise, now on farther with the heat source the air will relax. So as the air mass keeps on rising, the air at the top keeps on cooling. This creates an adiabatic lapse rate. As we observe here, the warm air is close to the earth.

Because of this, the sound wave will travel faster near the earth’s surface. Because sound waves travel faster In a warm medium. This high speed of the sound wave in a warm atmosphere near the earth’s surface creates Huygens’ wavelets, which spread faster near the earth’s surface. 

Under conditions like the movement of sound waves in a perpendicular direction to the wavefront formed by the Huygen wavelets, the sound gets refracted upward, and it has vanished.

Refraction in light waves

When it passes through a homogeneous medium, a light wave passes straight without any hindrance or change. The change in density of a medium followed by change in medium causes refraction.

While moving through a rarer medium to a denser medium, the refraction of light wave is seen. While moving in such case it deflects more towards normal. In contrast, when the light wave travels from a denser medium to an optically rarer medium, it bends away from the normal. However, if the light wave falls perpendicular to the normal, it passes without deflections.

For the Refraction of light waves, two laws are followed. Firstly, the incident, refracted, and normal all lie on the same plane. And secondly, the ratio of the sine of incident angle and the sine of a refracted angle in a given medium remains the same.

As we know due to different density of particle, being unique, the light’s speed also changes, which causes refraction. So whenever there is a change in the velocity of light, it goes through bending of the wave.

We all have seen the Refraction of light in our daily life many times. For example, Refraction in our eyes lenses, Refraction in ice, flattening of the sun at sunrise and sunset, Refraction in water drops, an apparent shift in the position at sunrise all occur due to Refraction of light.

Refraction in water waves

The Refraction of water waves depends upon the medium and the density it travels. The Refraction causes a change in the speed of water waves.

To understand the Refraction of water waves. First, let us understand some properties of water moving in oceans. The velocity of the water waves which are on the top is majorly defined by the depth of it. Water having a depth are have fast velocities.so if water which are at depth when meet the water of shallow depth there velocity decreases.

The decrease in the speed of water waves is followed by a decrease in their wavelength. Hence, this shows that when water waves from deep water and shallow water meets then their velocities decrease, their wavelength reduces, and consequently, its  direction of motion changes too.

There is a change in medium on moving deeper water to shallow water. This happens because deeper water is cold and dense. After all, sunlight does not reach it. And hence no heat. While the shallow water is comparatively warmer because it faces sunlight to some extent, and hence it is less dense.

The waves that come from deep and shallow waters can be seen refracting, which means the waves slightly bend, their wavelength changes, and their speed is slowed down. 

Refraction in radio waves

In our daily life, we all have heard the radio. These radios are operated by the radio waves transmitted. Let us understand how these radio waves reach all-around to operate radios.

The Radio waves are refracted in the uppermost layer of our atmosphere, which is the ionosphere. As it is the outermost layer of our atmosphere, it consists of a large number of free ions and electrons in it. This is due to the extreme amount of heat received by the sun, which ionizes all particles present there.

When the radio waves reach the ionosphere, the electrons present in the ionosphere get excited, which causes their motion. Due to this the radio waves are emitted again. Now as discussed above the concentration of free ions and electrons is high in this layer of atmosphere. When the radio waves further move due to excitement caused by free electrons, it faces a region of a very high density of electrons.

This high-density region reflects the radio waves back to earth. And that is how the radio wave is transmitted all-around a region. However, this reflection of radio waves depends upon the angle of incidence as well as the frequency of the radio waves. The Refraction, which occurs in the ionosphere due to inappropriate angle of incidence, tends to reduce when the frequency of the signals is improved.

Because of this, the Refraction is turn down, and reflection of radio waves starts in the outermost layer. As we know, the ionosphere is ionized, and moving particles are there. So the density does not remain the same all around; it varies. So the amount of Refraction varies.

Also Read:

• Amplitude of a wave
• Does amplitude increase in a wave
• Does longitudinal wave travel
• How to find energy of a photon from wavelength
• How to find the frequency of a wave
• Does amplitude of wave change
• How to find frequency of transverse wave
• Does wavelength affect diffraction
• How to measure energy in a gravitational wave detector
• Why does light exhibit both wave and particle characteristics