Grade 11
  1. Mechanics  1.1. dynamics  1.1.1. Motion in one dimension  1.1.2. Motion in two and three dimensions  1.1.3. Displacement and Distance  1.1.4. Speed and Velocity  1.1.5. Acceleration and deceleration  1.1.6. Graphical analysis of motion  1.1.7. Equations of motion (advanced derivations)  1.1.8. Free fall and terminal velocity  1.1.9. Projectile motion  1.1.10. Relative velocity in one and two dimensions  1.1.11. Motion of a car on an inclined plane  1.2. Dynamics  1.2.1. Newton's laws of motion and their applications  1.2.2. Inertia and Newton's first law  1.2.3. Force and types of force  1.2.4. Static and kinetic friction  1.2.5. Circular motion and centripetal acceleration  1.2.6. Non-uniform circular motion  1.2.7. Banking of roads and curves  1.2.8. Momentum and Impulse  1.2.9. Conservation of momentum in one and two dimensions  1.2.10. Applications of Newton's Third Law  1.3. Work, Energy and Power  1.3.1. Work done by a constant and variable force  1.3.2. Work–energy theorem  1.3.3. Kinetic and potential energy  1.3.4. Gravitational and elastic potential energy  1.3.5. Conservation of mechanical energy  1.3.6. Power and instantaneous power  1.3.7. Efficiency of machines  1.3.8. Work done by conservative and non-conservative forces  1.4. Rotational motion  1.4.1. Torque and angular acceleration  1.4.2. Rotational equilibrium  1.4.3. Moment of inertia and its applications  1.4.4. Angular momentum and its conservation  1.4.5. Kinetic energy of rolling motion and rotation  1.4.6. Parallel and Perpendicular Axis Theorem  1.4.7. Dynamics of rotational motion
  2. Gravitational force  2.1. Universal gravitation  2.1.1. Newton's law of universal gravitation  2.1.2. Gravitational field and potential  2.1.3. Change in acceleration due to gravity  2.1.4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion  2.1.5. Orbital mechanics and satellites  2.1.6. Escape velocity and orbital velocity  2.1.7. Weightlessness and free fall  2.1.8. Gravitational potential energy and energy in orbits  2.1.9. Black holes and gravitational lensing
  3. Properties of matter  3.1. Fluid mechanics  3.1.1. Density and pressure in liquids  3.1.2. Pascal's theory and applications  3.1.3. Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy  3.1.4. Bernoulli's equation and applications  3.1.5. Continuity equation and the Venturi effect  3.1.6. Surface tension and capillarity  3.1.7. Viscosity and Poiseuille's Law  3.1.8. Reynolds number and turbulence  3.2. Elasticity and deformation  3.2.1. Hooke's law and the stress-strain relation  3.2.2. Elastic modulus and applications  3.2.3. Deformation and yield strength of solids
  4. Thermal physics  4.1. Heat and temperature  4.1.1. Thermometric properties and temperature scale  4.1.2. Thermal expansion of solids, liquids and gases  4.1.3. Heat transfer system  4.1.4. Specific heat capacity and calorimetry  4.1.5. Latent heat and phase change  4.2. Kinetic theory of gases  4.2.1. Molecular model of gases  4.2.2. Kinetic explanation of temperature  4.2.3. Ideal Gas Equation and Deviations  4.2.4. Mean free path and Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution  4.3. Laws of Thermodynamics  4.3.1. Zeroth Law and Thermal Equilibrium  4.3.2. First Law and Internal Energy  4.3.3. The Second Law and Entropy  4.3.4. Carnot cycle and heat engines  4.3.5. Refrigerators and heat pumps
  5. Waves and oscillations  5.1. Simple Harmonic Motion  5.1.1. Equations of SHM  5.1.2. Energy in SHM  5.1.3. Damped and forced oscillations  5.1.4. Resonance and applications  5.1.5. Pendulum and spring-mass system  5.2. Wave motion  5.2.1. Types of mechanical waves  5.2.2. Wave motion and energy transport  5.2.3. Superposition Principle and Standing Waves  5.2.4. Reflection, Refraction and Diffraction  5.2.5. Doppler effect in sound and light  5.2.6. Pulsations and interference
  6. Electricity and Magnetism  6.1. Electrostatics  6.1.1. Electric charge and conservation  6.1.2. Coulomb's law and its applications  6.1.3. Electric field and electric flux  6.1.4. Electric potential and potential energy  6.1.5. Capacitance and Energy Stored in a Capacitor  6.2. Current Electricity  6.2.1. Ohm's law and electrical resistance  6.2.2. Resistivity and temperature dependence  6.2.3. Kirchhoff's Laws and Circuit Analysis  6.2.4. Electrical power and efficiency  6.2.5. Combination of resistors  6.3. Magnetism and Electromagnetism  6.3.1. Magnetic fields and their sources  6.3.2. Magnetic force on moving charges  6.3.3. Electromagnetic induction  6.3.4. Faraday's and Lenz's laws  6.3.5. Inductance and Transformer  6.3.6. Alternating current and its applications
  7. Optics  7.1. Reflection and Refraction  7.1.1. laws of reflection and refraction  7.1.2. Mirrors and lenses  7.1.3. Total internal reflection and optical fiber  7.2. Wave optics  7.2.1. Interference and Diffraction  7.2.2. Young's double-slit experiment  7.2.3. Polarization of light
  8. Modern Physics  8.1.1. Photoelectric effect and Einstein's theory  8.1.2. Wave–particle duality  8.1.3. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle  8.1.4. Compton Effect  8.2. Atomic and Nuclear Physics  8.2.1. Atomic model and energy levels  8.2.2. Radioactive decay and half-life  8.2.3. Nuclear Fission and Fusion
  9. Electronics and Communication  9.1. Semiconductors  9.1.1. pn junction and diode  9.1.2. Transistors and Logic Gates  9.1.3. Integrated Circuits and Applications  9.2. Communication Systems  9.2.1. Basics of Analog and Digital Communication  9.2.2. Wireless and Optical Communication  9.2.3. Modulation and Demodulation

Grade 11 → Waves and oscillations → Wave motion ↓


Types of mechanical waves


Mechanical waves are an essential part of the physical world, and they have a profound effect on a variety of natural and man-made processes. Understanding the different types of mechanical waves helps us understand how energy is transferred through different mediums.

What are mechanical waves?

Mechanical waves are disturbances in matter that carry energy from one point to another. They require a medium such as air, water, or a solid to propagate. Mechanical waves are produced when a source of energy causes a medium to vibrate.

There are two main types of mechanical waves:

  • Transverse waves
  • Longitudinal waves

Transverse waves

In transverse waves, the disturbance or particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. A common visual example of transverse waves are ripples on the surface of water:

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

In this diagram, the crest is the highest point of the wave, while the trough is the lowest point. Imagine this as the surface of a calm ocean where energy is moving and creating these beautiful up-and-down patterns.

More examples of transverse waves

One of the most common examples of transverse waves is light waves. Although they are not mechanical because they can travel in a vacuum, they share transverse wave properties in their electric and magnetic field oscillations.

Another example is the behavior of a vibrating string on a musical instrument such as a guitar. When you pluck the string, it vibrates perpendicular to its length, producing sound waves in the air.

Seismic S-waves generated by earthquakes are also transverse waves. They travel through the Earth and can only pass through solid materials because they need a medium to resist changes in shape.

Longitudinal waves

In longitudinal waves, the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave travel. These waves compress and stretch the medium they pass through. A classic example of this is the Slinky toy:

| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

In the case of the Slinky, when you push and pull one end, you create compressions (the bunched up parts) and rarefactions (the stretched out parts) that run along the length of the Slinky.

More examples of longitudinal waves

Sound waves are the most familiar example of longitudinal waves. When you speak, your larynx moves in and out, creating areas of high pressure (compression) and low pressure (rarefaction) in the air. These pressure changes travel through the air to your ears, allowing you to hear sounds.

Another example is seismic P-waves. Like sound waves, these can travel through both liquids and solids, making them important for understanding geological activity.

Comparison: Transverse vs. longitudinal waves

Although both transverse and longitudinal waves are mechanical waves, they differ in various ways:

Transverse waves Longitudinal waves
Particle motion perpendicular to the wave direction parallel to the wave direction
Example surface waves on water sound waves in air
Medium requirement solid, liquid surface solids, liquids, gases

Wave properties that apply to both types

  • Amplitude: The maximum displacement of the medium from its rest position. In sound waves, this is perceived as volume, and in light, it is brightness.
  • Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive identical points of a wave, such as peak to peak or compression to compression.
  • Frequency (f): The number of waves that pass a point in a given period of time, usually expressed in hertz (Hz).
  • Speed (v): It is determined by the formula:
v = f × λ

where v is the speed of the wave, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.

Applications and importance in real life

Mechanical waves play important roles in technology and natural processes. Understanding their properties helps scientists and engineers develop new technologies and solve practical problems. For example, seismic wave analysis helps predict earthquakes, which can save lives and reduce property damage. Similarly, sound waves are the basis of communication technologies from traditional radio to modern smartphones.

In medicine, ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions.

Conclusion

The study of mechanical waves is fundamental to understanding how energy is transferred through mediums in everyday life. By exploring transverse and longitudinal waves, their properties, and their applications, we gain insight into how the natural world works and how we can use these phenomena for technological advancement.


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Types of mechanical waves

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