Wave physics is the study of how energy and momentum are transferred through space. A wave is essentially a disturbance or oscillation that travels through a medium (mechanical waves) or a vacuum (electromagnetic waves).
Waves are categorized based on their direction of oscillation relative to their propagation:
- Transverse Waves: The particles of the medium vibrate perpendicularly to the direction of the wave's travel (e.g., waves on a string, light).
- Longitudinal Waves: The particles vibrate parallel to the direction of travel, creating regions of compression and rarefaction (e.g., sound waves).
- Enseignant: Rafik Benallal