Wave Forms

[The following animations were created using a modifed version of the Mathematica^® Notebook " Sound Waves" by Mats Bengtsson, and come from http://www.kettering.edu/~drussell/Demos/waves/wavemotion.html]

Longitudinal Waves
In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The animation below shows a one-dimensional longitudinal plane wave propagating down a tube. The particles do not move down the tube with the wave; they simply oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium positions. Pick a single particle and watch its motion. The wave is seen as the motion of the compressed region (ie, it is a pressure wave), which moves from left to right.




Transverse Waves
In a transverse wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The animation below shows a one-dimensional transverse plane wave propagating from left to right. The particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual equilibrium positions as the wave passes by. Pick a single particle and watch its motion.

MOST Science Lecture Series

The MOST has announced two science lecture opportunities which are appropriate for 6th - 12th grade students. Both programs are free and open to the public.

Junior Café Scientifique (Brochure)
A monthly Saturday morning program sponsored by the Technology Alliance of Central New York (TACNY) and hosted by the MOST.

• The next lecture Café Scientifique lecture is tomorrow, Saturday, October 20, entitled Geology of the Sea Floor, Hydrothermal Systems and Life in the Abyss.

Space Science Speaker Series (Brochure)
A collaboration between the MOST and Cornell's Department of Astronomy.

• The first lecture in the Space Science series is Thursday, October 25, entitled The Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) Survey: A Hunt for Starless Galaxies.

Syracuse University - Tuesday Night Physics

The Syracuse University Physics Department is announcing a new series of physics lectures, Tuesday Night Physics, that are free and open to the public. Parking for the general public is $3.25 in the Irving Garage, or free on the street. The first lecture of the new season is:

Speaker
Sam Sampere
Lab Manager SU Physics

Title
That’s Repulsive! The Marvels of Magnetism

Date and Time
Tuesday October 23 7:00 pm

Room
Physics Building Stolkin Auditorium

Sam is a great popularizer of physics and a very enthusiastic speaker, so it should be a lot of fun!