The main types of waves in physics: here are the names, the distinguishing characteristics and their applications in the real world.
Electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves.
A first distinction that we are going to make is that between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves . The former are called “electromagnetic waves” because they do not require a material medium to propagate, for example the cables or optical fibres necessary for light. The latter, on the other hand, unlike the former, require a material medium to propagate, for example: the vacuum which is typical of sound ( sound waves ).
Transverse waves and longitudinal waves
Another distinction is that which occurs depending on the type of perturbation. Specifically, these are the so-called transverse waves which are defined as such when the perturbation is perpendicular to their propagation. Then there are the longitudinal waves whose perturbation is parallel to the propagation.
Circular waves and rectilinear waves
As regards propagation in the plane we have circular waves and rectilinear waves . The former are defined as such when the wave front is made up of a series of concentric circles. As regards the latter, by definition they are called rectilinear when the wave front is made up of straight lines parallel to each other.
Complete waves and completed waves
The period of a wave is one of the fundamental characteristics of waves and represents the time required for a complete oscillation, while the concept of frequency refers to the number of oscillations completed in a second.
Long waves and wide waves
Length is another characteristic of waves and represents the distance between two points that have the same amplitude and wave front. The first represents the maximum displacement of the wave examined from the equilibrium position, while the second indicates the place of the points of a wave that vibrate in the same way.
Plane waves and circular waves
Plane waves are those that have a wave front represented by a straight line, like those of the sea. Circular waves , on the other hand, are those waves whose front is comparable to a circumference produced, for example, by throwing a stone into the water. In this case, concentric circles are created that are very similar to those with which geologists indicate the propagation of seismic waves.