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Light, as electromagnetic waves, can oscillate in specific directions. This phenomenon is called polarization. Explore into the difference between polarized and non-polarized light, and see how polarization is important for everyday applications like sunglasses and 3D movies.
Learn about transverse and longitudinal waves through the examples of a rope and a sound wave. Explore the difference between a single wave pulse and periodic waves. Skip to main content
Mechanical waves and light waves are two different wave types that can both be represented with a model. Mechanical waves require a medium like air, water, or a rope to travel through. On the other hand, light waves, which are a type of electromagnetic wave, don't need a medium.
Learn how electromagnetic waves are formed from changing electric and magnetic fields. Understand the electromagnetic spectrum, including different regions from visible light to gamma rays and their uses.
Destructive interference happens when two waves overlap in such a way that they cancel each other out. Wave interference also depends on the relative phase of the two waves, as this video shows through the examples of path length differences and pi shifts.
Light waves journey from the sun, through space and Earth's atmosphere, to reach us. Sunglasses filter certain wavelengths, affecting what we see. Similarly, sound waves can travel through walls, but their frequencies and the wall's material influence the sound we hear.
What happens when there's way more than two holes? Uncover the power of diffraction gratings. Learn how adding more slits to a double slit experiment results in sharper, brighter interference patterns. Understand why this occurs and its significance in measuring light waves.
Why do sounds change as they get closer or further from you? Why does sound carry so well in—or on—water? Delve into the physics behind sound and sound waves as we explore these questions.
Review the characteristics of periodic transverse and longitudinal waves such as wavelength, crest, trough, amplitude, expansion, and compression.