lf the waveform of a wave moves or progresses relative to its space, it is a progressive wave.
The transfer of energy is facilitated by progressive waves. Stationary waves retain enersv.
=I=(1..]^="
T \'T,]
Phase Difference 0
0LxLt
2tt 1 'l'
Ax
0=
Tx2tt
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(ii) From displa€ement-time graph
Distance between
P and Q (Ax)
1 wavelength ( )
0 =Exzn
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lntensity
[z
lntensity o( (amplitude)'?
16A2 or
/ "(+ or
[a !q!g-!: Forthe same point source, power {P} is a constant.
Note 2: Most questions involving the concept of intensity should be approached using the
'comparison' method, i.e. using ratios_
Example 1:
A small source produces a sound of intensity 3.0 x 1O2 Wm_, at a distance 5.0 m away. Calculate
the intensity of the sound at a distance 10.0 m away.
Solulion
- ("\'
t,
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Example 2:
The amplltude of the wave is increased to 2A and the area ot the surface is redLrced to S/2.
How much energy per unit time is intercepted by this smaller surface?
Solution:
P2 (Arnplitude2)2 x Area2
4 t Arnpt,hlden, xAreo,
fxample J:
A sound wave is emitted from a point source: The intensity ofthe sound wave is inversely
proportional to the square ofthe distance from the source. At a distance r from the soltrce, the
amplitude ofthe wave is 8X.
Solution:
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Since intensity c< + and intensity c< ,42,
Hence Az e \ or A <!.
r
A' 7r
BX:;
!q!e.f: ln other questions, you'll see that more than one relationship is stated. This suggests
that you may have to consider them simultaneously.
ExamDle 4:
The intensity of a wave depends on the amplitude. The intensity is also proportional to the
square of the frequency.
What is the intensity of a similar wave offrequency 6.0 Hz and amplitude 0.5 cm?
Solution
I, Az2 fzt
12 0.5262
T = Ls4,
4
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Note 4: We have also seen many questions which require you to determine the diaection of
movement of a particular point P on the wave profile. This is how to do it:
Step 1: lf the question states that the wave is moving to the ig[t translate the wave profile
slishtlv to the !gb!.
Step 2: As this is a transverse wave, we know that point p will vjbrate in the vertical plane, i.e.
aand +.
5!gL1: As the point corresponding to P on the:translated profile lies below the or;ginal point p,
we can say that the P was moving downwards at that instant.
Exception: lf the points lie on the crest or trough, the points can be viewed as being stationarv
at that tnstant,
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Difference between a displacement vs distance graph AND a pressuae vs distance graph
Its corresponding
pressure while it is at
its current positions
are shown in the
pressure vs distance
qraph.
distance / m
Procedure 1:
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Using a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o,)to determine the Eeygblglh of sound (stationary
waves)
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