Physics
Study of matter, energy, and their interactions in the universe.
Waves and Light
What Are Waves?
Waves are ways that energy moves through space. There are two main types:
- Mechanical waves: Need something to travel through (like sound in air).
- Electromagnetic waves: Travel through empty space (like light).
Light: The Fastest Traveler
Light is an electromagnetic wave. It travels incredibly fast—about 300,000 kilometers per second! Light lets us see, warms the Earth, and helps plants grow.
How Waves Behave
Waves can reflect (bounce), refract (bend), and interfere (combine with other waves). These behaviors explain rainbows, echoes, and how glasses help us see better.
Fun with Sound
Sound waves are mechanical waves—when you pluck a guitar string, the vibration travels through the air to your ears.
Examples
You hear music because sound waves travel through the air.
Sunlight passing through water creates a rainbow.
In a Nutshell
Waves carry energy, and light is a special wave that lets us see the world.