Mechanical Waves Essay

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“A wave is a transfer of energy from one point to another with no transfer of matter.” (Walding Et Al, 1999) Waves that require matter to propagate are referred to as mechanical waves; whereas electromagnetic waves comprise of those that do not necessitate matter to propagate. (Walding Et Al, 1999) Mechanical waves can further be divided into two sub-branches: longitudional and transverse waves. Longitudional waves occur when the particles of matter used by the wave to propogate, vibrate parallel to the direction of propogation of the wave. (Nave, 2014) Transverse waves ensue when this vibration is perpendicular to the direction of propagation as seen in figure1. (Nave, 2014)

Waves consist of many defining characteristics: wavelength, amplitude, frequency and period. The wavelength (λ) is defined as the distance from two consecutive points in the wave that are in phase. (optushome, 2014) “Amplitude (A) is the maximum vertical distance a particle is displaced from equilibrium.” (sengpielaudio, 2014) “The amount of energy carried by a wave is related to the amplitude of the wave. A high energy wave is characterized by a high amplitude; a low energy wave is characterized by a low amplitude.” (The Physics Classroom, 2014) Frequency (f) is the number of cycles of the wave pass per second and period (T) is the time required per cycle. Figure 2 illustrates these characteristics. (optushome, 2014)
The equations for frequency and period are below:
T= 1/f f= 1/T

The wave equation defines the relationship between velocity (v), frequency (f), wavelength (λ) and period (T). (The Physics Classroom, 2014) It is expressed as: v= λ/T or v= 1λ/T or v= λf
When two waves intersect, the process of interference occurs; with cons...

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...optimal levels of wave attenuation - through means of refraction and energy absorption; in regards to the formation of safe harbours and beaches.
Hypothesis
That, floating breakwaters will produce optimal levels of wave attenuation as a pose to submerged breakwaters. This is due to the floating pontoon physically coming into contact with the waves and absorbing the wave energy with part of the wave still passing under the barrier, as a pose to the submerged wave only inducing wave-break. However, if the submerged breakwater is at a height that is very close to the still water level, it will produce optimal attenuation of waves due to a large amount of energy absorption, as a pose to when the floating breakwater has a width that is relatively small compared to the wavelength. This is due to the submerged breakwater being least effective when their height is small.

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