Propagation of oscillations in a medium and waves. Video lesson “Propagation of oscillations in a medium”

Waves

The main types of waves are elastic (such as sound and seismic waves), liquid surface waves, and electromagnetic waves (including light and radio waves). A characteristic feature of waves is that during their propagation, energy transfer occurs without matter transfer. Let us first consider the propagation of waves in an elastic medium.

Wave propagation in an elastic medium

An oscillating body placed in an elastic medium will carry along with it and set into oscillatory motion the particles of the medium adjacent to it. The latter, in turn, will affect neighboring particles. It is clear that the entrained particles will lag behind in phase those particles that entrain them, since the transfer of oscillations from point to point always occurs at a finite speed.

So, an oscillating body placed in an elastic medium is a source of vibrations spreading from it in all directions.

The process of propagation of vibrations in a medium is called a wave. Or an elastic wave is the process of propagation of a disturbance in an elastic medium .

There are waves transverse (oscillations occur in a plane perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation). These include electromagnetic waves. There are waves longitudinal , when the direction of oscillation coincides with the direction of wave propagation. For example, the propagation of sound in air. Compression and discharge of particles of the medium occur in the direction of wave propagation.

Waves can have different shapes, they can be regular and irregular. Of particular importance in wave theory is the harmonic wave, i.e. an infinite wave in which the state of the medium changes according to the law of sine or cosine.

Let's consider elastic harmonic waves . A number of parameters are used to describe the wave process. Let's write down the definitions of some of them. A disturbance that occurs at a certain point in the medium at a certain moment in time propagates in an elastic medium at a certain speed. Propagating from the source of oscillations, the wave process covers more and more new parts of space.

The geometric location of the points to which the oscillations reach at a certain point in time is called the wave front or wave front.

The wave front separates the part of space already involved in the wave process from the region in which oscillations have not yet arisen.

The geometric location of points oscillating in the same phase is called a wave surface.

There can be many wave surfaces, but there is only one wave front at any given time.

Wave surfaces can be of any shape. In the simplest cases, they have the shape of a plane or sphere. Accordingly, the wave in this case is called flat or spherical . In a plane wave, the wave surfaces are a set of planes parallel to each other, in a spherical wave - a set of concentric spheres.

Let a plane harmonic wave propagate with speed along the axis. Graphically, such a wave is depicted as a function (zeta) for a fixed moment in time and represents the dependence of the displacement of points with different values ​​on the equilibrium position. – this is the distance from the source of vibrations at which, for example, a particle is located. The figure gives an instantaneous picture of the distribution of disturbances along the direction of wave propagation. The distance over which a wave propagates in a time equal to the period of oscillation of the particles of the medium is called wavelength .

,

where is the speed of wave propagation.

Group speed

A strictly monochromatic wave is an infinite sequence of “humps” and “valleys” in time and space.

The phase speed of this wave or (2)

It is impossible to transmit a signal using such a wave, because at any point in the wave all the “humps” are the same. The signal must be different. To be a sign (mark) on the wave. But then the wave will no longer be harmonic, and will not be described by equation (1). A signal (pulse) can be represented according to Fourier’s theorem as a superposition of harmonic waves with frequencies contained in a certain interval Dw . Superposition of waves that differ little from each other in frequency,

The expression for a group of waves can be written as follows.

(3)

Icon w emphasizes that these quantities depend on frequency.

This wave packet can be a sum of waves with slightly different frequencies. Where the phases of the waves coincide, an increase in amplitude is observed, and where the phases are opposite, a damping of the amplitude is observed (the result of interference). This picture is shown in the figure. In order for a superposition of waves to be considered a group of waves, the following condition must be met: Dw<< w 0 .

In a non-dispersive medium, all plane waves forming a wave packet propagate with the same phase velocity v . Dispersion is the dependence of the phase velocity of a sinusoidal wave in a medium on frequency. We will consider the phenomenon of dispersion later in the section “Wave Optics”. In the absence of dispersion, the speed of movement of the wave packet coincides with the phase speed v . In a dispersive medium, each wave disperses at its own speed. Therefore, the wave packet spreads out over time and its width increases.

If the dispersion is small, then the wave packet does not spread out too quickly. Therefore, a certain speed can be attributed to the movement of the entire package U .

The speed at which the center of the wave packet (the point with the maximum amplitude) moves is called group velocity.

In a dispersive environment v¹U . Along with the movement of the wave packet itself, the “humps” inside the packet itself move. "Humps" move in space at speed v , and the package as a whole with speed U .

Let us consider in more detail the movement of a wave packet using the example of a superposition of two waves with the same amplitude and different frequencies w (different wavelengths l ).

Let's write down the equations of two waves. For simplicity, let us assume the initial phases j 0 = 0.

Here

Let Dw<< w , respectively Dk<< k .

Let's add up the vibrations and carry out transformations using the trigonometric formula for the sum of cosines:

In the first cosine we will neglect Dwt And Dkx , which are much smaller than other quantities. Let's take into account that cos(–a) = cosa . We'll write it down finally.

(4)

The multiplier in square brackets changes with time and coordinates much more slowly than the second multiplier. Consequently, expression (4) can be considered as an equation of a plane wave with an amplitude described by the first factor. Graphically, the wave described by expression (4) is presented in the figure shown above.

The resulting amplitude is obtained as a result of the addition of waves, therefore, maxima and minima of the amplitude will be observed.

The maximum amplitude will be determined by the following condition.

(5)

m = 0, 1, 2…

xmax– coordinate of the maximum amplitude.

The cosine takes its maximum modulo value through p .

Each of these maxima can be considered as the center of the corresponding group of waves.

Resolving (5) relatively xmax we'll get it.

Since the phase speed is called group velocity. The maximum amplitude of the wave packet moves at this speed. In the limit, the expression for the group velocity will have the following form.

(6)

This expression is valid for the center of a group of an arbitrary number of waves.

It should be noted that when all terms of the expansion are accurately taken into account (for an arbitrary number of waves), the expression for the amplitude is obtained in such a way that it follows that the wave packet spreads out over time.
The expression for group velocity can be given a different form.

Therefore, the expression for the group velocity can be written as follows.

(7)

is an implicit expression, since v , And k depend on wavelength l .

Then (8)

Let's substitute in (7) and get.

(9)

This is the so-called Rayleigh formula. J. W. Rayleigh (1842 - 1919) English physicist, Nobel laureate in 1904, for the discovery of argon.

From this formula it follows that, depending on the sign of the derivative, the group velocity can be greater or less than the phase velocity.

In the absence of variance

The maximum intensity occurs at the center of the wave group. Therefore, the speed of energy transfer is equal to the group speed.

The concept of group velocity is applicable only under the condition that wave absorption in the medium is low. With significant wave attenuation, the concept of group velocity loses its meaning. This case is observed in the region of anomalous dispersion. We will consider this in the “Wave Optics” section.

String vibrations

In a tensioned string fixed at both ends, when transverse vibrations are excited, standing waves are established, and nodes are located in the places where the string is fixed. Therefore, only such vibrations are excited in the string with noticeable intensity, half of the wavelength of which fits an integer number of times along the length of the string.

This implies the following condition.

Or

(n = 1, 2, 3, …),

l– string length. The wavelengths correspond to the following frequencies.

(n = 1, 2, 3, …).

The phase speed of the wave is determined by the tension force of the string and the mass per unit length, i.e. linear density of the string.

F – string tension force, ρ" – linear density of the string material. Frequencies νn are called natural frequencies strings. Natural frequencies are multiples of the fundamental frequency.

This frequency is called fundamental frequency .

Harmonic vibrations with such frequencies are called natural or normal vibrations. They are also called harmonics . In general, the vibration of a string is a superposition of various harmonics.

The vibrations of a string are remarkable in that for them, according to classical concepts, discrete values ​​of one of the quantities characterizing the vibrations (frequency) are obtained. For classical physics, such discreteness is an exception. For quantum processes, discreteness is the rule rather than the exception.

Elastic wave energy

Let at some point of the medium in the direction x a plane wave propagates.

(1)

Let us select an elementary volume in the environment ΔV so that within this volume the speed of displacement of particles of the medium and the deformation of the medium are constant.

Volume ΔV has kinetic energy.

(2)

(ρ·ΔV – the mass of this volume).

This volume also has potential energy.

Let us remember for understanding.

Relative displacement, α – proportionality coefficient.

Young's modulus E = 1/α . Normal voltage T = F/S . From here.

In our case .

In our case we have.

(3)

Let's also remember.

Then . Let's substitute in (3).

(4)

For the total energy we get.

Let's divide by the elementary volume ΔV and we obtain the volumetric energy density of the wave.

(5)

We obtain from (1) and .

Let us substitute (6) into (5) and take into account that . We'll get it.

From (7) it follows that the volumetric energy density at each moment of time at different points in space is different. At one point in space, W 0 changes according to the law of the square of sine. And the average value of this quantity from the periodic function . Consequently, the average value of the volumetric energy density is determined by the expression.

(8)

Expression (8) is very similar to the expression for the total energy of an oscillating body . Consequently, the medium in which the wave propagates has a supply of energy. This energy is transferred from the source of vibration to different points in the medium.

The amount of energy transferred by a wave through a certain surface per unit time is called energy flux.

If through a given surface in time dt energy transferred dW , then the energy flow F will be equal.

(9)

- measured in watts.

To characterize the flow of energy at different points in space, a vector quantity is introduced, which is called energy flux density . It is numerically equal to the energy flow through a unit area located at a given point in space perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. The direction of the energy flux density vector coincides with the direction of energy transfer.

(10)

This characteristic of the energy transferred by a wave was introduced by the Russian physicist N.A. Umovov (1846 – 1915) in 1874.

Let's consider the flow of wave energy.

Wave Energy Flow

Wave energy

W 0 is the volumetric energy density.

Then we'll get it.

(11)

Since the wave propagates in a certain direction, it can be written down.

(12)

This energy flux vector or the flow of energy through a unit area perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation per unit time. This vector is called the Umov vector.

~ sin 2 ωt.

Then the average value of the Umov vector will be equal to.

(13)

Wave intensity – time-average value of the energy flux density transferred by the wave .

Obviously.

(14)

Respectively.

(15)

Sound

Sound is the vibration of an elastic medium perceived by the human ear.

The study of sound is called acoustics .

The physiological perception of sound: loud, quiet, high, low, pleasant, unpleasant - is a reflection of its physical characteristics. A harmonic vibration of a certain frequency is perceived as a musical tone.

The frequency of a sound corresponds to the pitch of a tone.

The ear perceives a frequency range from 16 Hz to 20,000 Hz. At frequencies less than 16 Hz - infrasound, and at frequencies above 20 kHz - ultrasound.

Several simultaneous sound vibrations are consonance. Pleasant is consonance, unpleasant is dissonance. A large number of simultaneously sounding vibrations with different frequencies is noise.

As we already know, sound intensity is understood as the time-average value of the energy flux density that a sound wave carries with it. In order to cause a sound sensation, the wave must have a certain minimum intensity, which is called hearing threshold (curve 1 in the figure). The threshold of hearing varies somewhat among different people and is highly dependent on the frequency of the sound. The human ear is most sensitive to frequencies from 1 kHz to 4 kHz. In this area, the hearing threshold averages 10 -12 W/m2. At other frequencies the hearing threshold is higher.

At intensities of the order of 1 ÷ 10 W/m2, the wave ceases to be perceived as sound, causing only a sensation of pain and pressure in the ear. The intensity value at which this occurs is called pain threshold (curve 2 in the figure). The pain threshold, like the hearing threshold, depends on frequency.

Thus, there are almost 13 orders of magnitude. Therefore, the human ear is not sensitive to small changes in sound intensity. To feel a change in volume, the intensity of the sound wave must change by at least 10 ÷ 20%. Therefore, as a characteristic of intensity, it is not the sound intensity itself that is chosen, but the next value, which is called the sound intensity level (or loudness level) and is measured in bels. In honor of the American electrical engineer A.G. Bell (1847 - 1922), one of the inventors of the telephone.

I 0 = 10 -12 W/m2 – zero level (hearing threshold).

Those. 1 B = 10 I 0 .

They also use a 10 times smaller unit - decibel (dB).

Using this formula, the decrease in intensity (attenuation) of a wave along a certain path can be expressed in decibels. For example, an attenuation of 20 dB means that the intensity of the wave is reduced by a factor of 100.

The entire range of intensities at which the wave causes a sound sensation in the human ear (from 10 -12 to 10 W/m2) corresponds to loudness values ​​from 0 to 130 dB.

The energy carried by sound waves is extremely small. For example, to heat a glass of water from room temperature to boiling with a sound wave with a volume level of 70 dB (in this case, approximately 2·10 -7 W will be absorbed by the water per second) it will take about ten thousand years.

Ultrasound waves can be produced in the form of directed beams, similar to beams of light. Directed ultrasonic beams have found wide application in sonar. The idea was put forward by the French physicist P. Langevin (1872 - 1946) during the First World War (in 1916). By the way, the ultrasonic location method allows the bat to navigate well when flying in the dark.

Wave equation

In the field of wave processes there are equations called wave , which describe all possible waves, regardless of their specific type. The meaning of the wave equation is similar to the basic equation of dynamics, which describes all possible movements of a material point. The equation of any particular wave is the solution to the wave equation. Let's get it. To do this, we differentiate twice with respect to t and for all coordinates the plane wave equation .

(1)

From here we get.

(*)

Let's add equations (2).

We will replace x in (3) from equation (*). We'll get it.

Let's take into account that and we will get it.

, or . (4)

This is the wave equation. In this equation, is the phase velocity, – Nabla operator or Laplace operator.

Any function that satisfies equation (4) describes a certain wave, and the square root of the value inverse to the coefficient of the second derivative of the displacement versus time gives the phase velocity of the wave.

It is easy to verify that the wave equation is satisfied by the equations of plane and spherical waves, as well as any equation of the form

For a plane wave propagating in the direction, the wave equation has the form:

.

This is a one-dimensional second-order partial differential wave equation valid for homogeneous isotropic media with negligible attenuation.

Electromagnetic waves

Considering Maxwell's equations, we wrote down the important conclusion that an alternating electric field generates a magnetic field, which also turns out to be alternating. In turn, an alternating magnetic field generates an alternating electric field, etc. The electromagnetic field is capable of existing independently - without electrical charges and currents. The change in the state of this field has a wave character. Fields of this kind are called electromagnetic waves . The existence of electromagnetic waves follows from Maxwell's equations.

Let us consider a homogeneous neutral () non-conducting () medium, for example, for simplicity, vacuum. For this environment you can write:

, .

If any other homogeneous neutral non-conducting medium is considered, then it is necessary to add and to the equations written above.

Let us write Maxwell's differential equations in general form.

, , , .

For the medium under consideration, these equations have the form:

, , ,

Let's write these equations as follows:

, , , .

Any wave processes must be described by a wave equation that relates the second derivatives with respect to time and coordinates. From the equations written above, through simple transformations, you can obtain the following pair of equations:

,

These relations represent identical wave equations for the fields and .

Let us remember that in the wave equation ( ) the factor in front of the second derivative on the right side is the reciprocal of the square of the phase velocity of the wave. Hence, . It turned out that in a vacuum this speed for an electromagnetic wave is equal to the speed of light.

Then the wave equations for the fields and can be written as

And .

These equations indicate that electromagnetic fields can exist in the form of electromagnetic waves, the phase speed of which in a vacuum is equal to the speed of light.

Mathematical analysis of Maxwell's equations allows us to draw a conclusion about the structure of an electromagnetic wave propagating in a homogeneous neutral non-conducting medium in the absence of currents and free charges. In particular, we can draw a conclusion about the vector structure of the wave. An electromagnetic wave is strictly transverse wave in the sense that the vectors characterizing it and perpendicular to the wave speed vector , i.e. to the direction of its propagation. Vectors , and , in the order in which they are written, form right-handed orthogonal triple of vectors . In nature, only right-handed electromagnetic waves exist, and there are no left-handed waves. This is one of the manifestations of the laws of mutual creation of alternating magnetic and electric fields.

OK-9 Propagation of vibrations in an elastic medium

Wave motion- mechanical waves, i.e. waves that propagate only in matter (sea, sound, waves in a string, earthquake waves). The sources of the waves are vibrations of the vibrator.

Vibrator- oscillating body. Creates vibrations in an elastic medium.

Wave are called vibrations that propagate in space over time.

wave surface- geometric locus of points in the medium oscillating in the same phases

L
uch- a line whose tangent at each point coincides with the direction of propagation of the wave.

The reason for the occurrence of waves in an elastic medium

If a vibrator vibrates in an elastic medium, then it acts on the particles of the medium, causing them to perform forced vibrations. Due to the interaction forces between particles of the medium, vibrations are transmitted from one particle to another.

T
wave types

Transverse waves

Waves in which vibrations of particles of the medium occur in a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. Occur in solids and on the surface of the hearth.

P
maternity waves

Oscillations occur along the propagation of the wave. Can occur in gases, liquids and solids.

Surface waves

IN
waves that propagate at the interface between two media. Waves at the boundary between water and air. If λ is less than the depth of the reservoir, then each particle of water on the surface and near it moves along an ellipse, i.e. is a combination of vibrations in the longitudinal and transverse directions. At the bottom, purely longitudinal movement is observed.

Plane waves

Waves in which the wave surfaces are planes perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

WITH spherical waves

Waves whose wave surfaces are spheres. The spheres of the wave surfaces are concentric.

Characteristics of wave motion

Wavelength

The shortest distance between two races oscillating in the same phase is called wavelength. Depends only on the medium in which the wave propagates, at equal vibrator frequencies.

Frequency

Frequency ν wave motion depends only on the frequency of the vibrator.

Wave propagation speed

Speed ​​v= λν . Because
, That
. However, the speed of wave propagation depends on the type of substance and its state; from ν And λ , does not depend.

In an ideal gas
, Where R- gas constant; M- molar mass; T- absolute temperature; γ - constant for a given gas; ρ - density of the substance.

Transverse waves in solids
, Where N- shear modulus; longitudinal waves
, Where Q- all-round compression module. In solid rods
Where E- Young's modulus.

In solids, both transverse and longitudinal waves propagate at different speeds. This is the basis for determining the epicenter of an earthquake.

Plane wave equation

His appearance x=x 0 sin ωt(t−l/v) = x 0 sin( ωt−kl), Where k= 2π /λ - wave number; l- the distance traveled by the wave from the vibrator to the point in question A.

Time delay of oscillations of points in the medium:
.

Phase delay of oscillations of points in the medium:
.

Phase difference between two oscillating points: ∆ φ =φ 2 −φ 1 = 2π (l 2 −l 1)/λ .

Wave energy

Waves transfer energy from one vibrating particle to another. The particles perform only oscillatory movements, but do not move with the wave: E=E k + E P,

Where E k is the kinetic energy of an oscillating particle; E n is the potential energy of elastic deformation of the medium.

To some extent V elastic medium in which a wave with amplitude propagates X 0 and cyclic frequency ω , there is an average energy W, equal
, Where m- mass of the allocated volume of the medium.

Wave intensity

A physical quantity that is equal to the energy transferred by a wave per unit time through a unit surface area perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave is called wave intensity:
. It is known that W And j~.

Wave power

If S is the transverse surface area through which energy is transferred by the wave, and j- wave intensity, then the wave power is equal to: p=jS.

OK-10 Sound waves

U Spring waves that cause a person to experience sound are called sound waves.

16 –2∙10 4 Hz - audible sounds;

less than 16 Hz - infrasounds;

more than 2∙10 4 Hz - ultrasounds.

ABOUT
A prerequisite for the occurrence of a sound wave is the presence of an elastic medium.

M
The mechanism for the generation of a sound wave is similar to the generation of a mechanical wave in an elastic medium. Vibrating in an elastic medium, the vibrator affects the particles of the medium.

Sound is created by long-term periodic sound sources. For example, musical: string, tuning fork, whistling, singing.

Noise is created by long-term, but not periodic sound sources: rain, sea, crowd.

Sound speed

Depends on the medium and its state, as for any mechanical wave:

.

At t= 0°C water v = 1430 m/s, steel v = 5000 m/s, air v = 331 m/s.

Sound wave receivers

1. Artificial: a microphone converts mechanical sound vibrations into electrical ones. Characterized by sensitivity σ :
,σ depends on ν z.v. .

2. Natural: ear.

Its sensitivity perceives sound at ∆ p= 10 −6 Pa.

The lower the frequency ν sound wave, the less sensitivity σ ear. If ν z.v. decreases from 1000 to 100 Hz, then σ ear is reduced by 1000 times.

Exceptional selectivity: the conductor captures the sounds of individual instruments.

Physical characteristics of sound

Objective

1. Sound pressure is the pressure exerted by a sound wave on an obstacle in front of it.

2. The sound spectrum is the decomposition of a complex sound wave into its component frequencies.

3. Intensity sound wave:
, Where S- surface area; W- sound wave energy; t- time;
.

Subjective

Volume, like pitch, sound is associated with the sensation that arises in the human mind, as well as with the intensity of the wave.

The human ear is capable of perceiving sounds with intensities from 10 −12 (audibility threshold) to 1 (pain threshold).

G

Loudness is not directly proportional to intensity. To get a sound 2 times louder, you need to increase the intensity 10 times. A wave with an intensity of 10 −2 W/m 2 sounds 4 times louder than a wave with an intensity of 10 −4 W/m 2 . Because of this relationship between the objective sensation of loudness and sound intensity, a logarithmic scale is used.

The unit of this scale is the bel (B) or decibel (dB), (1 dB = 0.1 B), named after the physicist Heinrich Behl. The volume level is expressed in bels:
, Where I 0 = 10 −12 hearing threshold (average).

E
if I= 10 −2 , That
.

Loud sounds are harmful to our body. The sanitary standard is 30–40 dB. This is the volume of a calm, quiet conversation.

Noise disease: high blood pressure, nervous excitability, hearing loss, fatigue, poor sleep.

Intensity and volume of sound from various sources: jet aircraft - 140 dB, 100 W/m2; rock music indoors - 120 dB, 1 W/m2; normal conversation (50 cm from it) - 65 dB, 3.2∙10 −6 W/m 2.

Pitch depends on the oscillation frequency: than > ν , the higher the sound.

T
sound timbre allows you to distinguish between two sounds of the same pitch and volume produced by different instruments. It depends on the spectral composition.

Ultrasound

Applicable: echo sounder for determining the depth of the sea, preparing emulsions (water, oil), washing parts, tanning leather, detecting defects in metal products, in medicine, etc.

Distributes over considerable distances in solids and liquids. Transfers energy much greater than a sound wave.

Let the oscillating body be in a medium in which all the particles are interconnected. The particles of the medium in contact with it will begin to vibrate, as a result of which periodic deformations (for example, compression and tension) occur in the areas of the medium adjacent to this body. During deformations, elastic forces appear in the medium, which tend to return the particles of the medium to their original state of equilibrium.

Thus, periodic deformations that appear in some place in an elastic medium will propagate at a certain speed, depending on the properties of the medium. In this case, the particles of the medium are not drawn into translational motion by the wave, but perform oscillatory movements around their equilibrium positions; only elastic deformation is transferred from one part of the medium to another.

The process of propagation of oscillatory motion in a medium is called wave process or simply wave. Sometimes this wave is called elastic, because it is caused by the elastic properties of the medium.

Depending on the direction of particle oscillations relative to the direction of wave propagation, longitudinal and transverse waves are distinguished.Interactive demonstration of transverse and longitudinal waves

Longitudinal wave – This is a wave in which particles of the medium oscillate along the direction of propagation of the wave.

A longitudinal wave can be observed on a long soft spring of large diameter. By hitting one of the ends of the spring, you can notice how successive condensations and rarefactions of its turns will spread throughout the spring, running one after another. In the figure, the dots show the position of the spring coils at rest, and then the positions of the spring coils at successive time intervals equal to a quarter of the period.

Transverse wave - This is a wave in which the particles of the medium oscillate in directions perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Let us consider in more detail the process of formation of transverse waves. Let us take as a model of a real cord a chain of balls (material points) connected to each other by elastic forces. The figure depicts the process of propagation of a transverse wave and shows the positions of the balls at successive time intervals equal to a quarter of the period.

At the initial moment of time (t 0 = 0) all points are in a state of equilibrium. Then we cause a disturbance by deviating point 1 from the equilibrium position by an amount A and the 1st point begins to oscillate, the 2nd point, elastically connected to the 1st, comes into oscillatory motion a little later, the 3rd even later, etc. . After a quarter of the oscillation period ( t 2 = T 4 ) will spread to the 4th point, the 1st point will have time to deviate from its equilibrium position by a maximum distance equal to the oscillation amplitude A. After half a period, the 1st point, moving downward, will return to the equilibrium position, the 4th deviated from the equilibrium position by a distance equal to the amplitude of oscillations A, the wave has propagated to the 7th point, etc.

By the time t 5 = T The 1st point, having completed a complete oscillation, passes through the equilibrium position, and the oscillatory movement will spread to the 13th point. All points from the 1st to the 13th are located so that they form a complete wave consisting of depressions And ridge

Demonstration of shear wave propagation

The type of wave depends on the type of deformation of the medium. Longitudinal waves are caused by compression-tension deformation, transverse waves are caused by shear deformation. Therefore, in gases and liquids, in which elastic forces arise only during compression, the propagation of transverse waves is impossible. In solids, elastic forces arise both during compression (tension) and shear, therefore, both longitudinal and transverse waves can propagate in them.

As the figures show, in both transverse and longitudinal waves, each point of the medium oscillates around its equilibrium position and shifts from it by no more than an amplitude, and the state of deformation of the medium is transferred from one point of the medium to another. An important difference between elastic waves in a medium and any other ordered movement of its particles is that the propagation of waves is not associated with the transfer of matter in the medium.

We present to your attention a video lesson on the topic “Propagation of vibrations in an elastic medium. Longitudinal and transverse waves." In this lesson we will study issues related to the propagation of vibrations in an elastic medium. You will learn what a wave is, how it appears, and how it is characterized. Let's study the properties and differences between longitudinal and transverse waves.

We move on to studying issues related to waves. Let's talk about what a wave is, how it appears and how it is characterized. It turns out that in addition to just an oscillatory process in a narrow region of space, it is also possible for these oscillations to propagate in a medium; it is precisely this propagation that is wave motion.

Let's move on to discuss this distribution. To discuss the possibility of the existence of oscillations in a medium, we must decide what a dense medium is. A dense medium is a medium that consists of a large number of particles whose interaction is very close to elastic. Let's imagine the following thought experiment.

Rice. 1. Thought experiment

Let us place a ball in an elastic medium. The ball will shrink, decrease in size, and then expand like a heartbeat. What will be observed in this case? In this case, the particles that are adjacent to this ball will repeat its movement, i.e. moving away, approaching - thereby they will oscillate. Since these particles interact with other particles more distant from the ball, they will also oscillate, but with some delay. Particles that come close to this ball vibrate. They will be transmitted to other particles, more distant. Thus, the vibration will spread in all directions. Please note that in this case the vibration state will propagate. We call this propagation of a state of oscillation a wave. It can be said that the process of propagation of vibrations in an elastic medium over time is called a mechanical wave.

Please note: when we talk about the process of occurrence of such oscillations, we must say that they are possible only if there is interaction between particles. In other words, a wave can only exist when there is an external disturbing force and forces that resist the action of the disturbance force. In this case, these are elastic forces. The propagation process in this case will be related to the density and strength of interaction between the particles of a given medium.

Let's note one more thing. The wave does not transport matter. After all, particles oscillate near the equilibrium position. But at the same time, the wave transfers energy. This fact can be illustrated by tsunami waves. Matter is not carried by the wave, but the wave carries such energy that it brings great disasters.

Let's talk about wave types. There are two types - longitudinal and transverse waves. What's happened longitudinal waves? These waves can exist in all media. And the example with a pulsating ball inside a dense medium is just an example of the formation of a longitudinal wave. Such a wave is a propagation in space over time. This alternation of compaction and rarefaction is a longitudinal wave. I repeat once again that such a wave can exist in all media - liquid, solid, gaseous. A longitudinal wave is a wave whose propagation causes particles of the medium to oscillate along the direction of propagation of the wave.

Rice. 2. Longitudinal wave

As for the transverse wave, then transverse wave can exist only in solids and on the surface of liquids. A transverse wave is a wave whose propagation causes particles of the medium to oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Rice. 3. Transverse wave

The speed of propagation of longitudinal and transverse waves is different, but this is the topic of the following lessons.

List of additional literature:

Are you familiar with the concept of a wave? // Quantum. - 1985. - No. 6. — P. 32-33. Physics: Mechanics. 10th grade: Textbook. for in-depth study of physics / M.M. Balashov, A.I. Gomonova, A.B. Dolitsky and others; Ed. G.Ya. Myakisheva. - M.: Bustard, 2002. Elementary physics textbook. Ed. G.S. Landsberg. T. 3. - M., 1974.