What are some examples of when waves are useful and harmful?

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In summary, waves have both helpful and harmful applications. Some examples of useful waves include sound waves for communication and radio waves for technologies like WiFi and cellphones. However, there may be some confusion about the use of radio waves as they do not require a medium to transfer waves. Waves are also efficient at transferring energy, such as sound, radiation, and thermal energy. On the other hand, waves can also be harmful, such as seismic waves causing earthquakes and tsunamis, and sound waves being a nuisance at times. It is important to consider the cause and effect relationship between waves and their effects, such as with seismic waves and earthquakes.
  • #1
needingtoknow
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Homework Statement



What are some examples of when waves are useful and harmful?

The Attempt at a Solution



The examples for helpful I have so far are sound waves that allow us to communicate with one another and radio waves that enables us to use WiFi and cellphones. However I am not too sure about radio waves because they are electromagnetic waves and in the textbook it states that all vibrations require a medium to transfer waves, but electromagnetic waves do not require a medium so I am unsure about radiowaves. I also added that waves are an efficient form of transferring energy : sound, radiation, and thermal.

The examples for harmful I have so far are seismic waves that cause earthquakes and tsunamis and sound waves that can be a nuisance at times.
 
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  • #2
needingtoknow said:

Homework Statement



What are some examples of when waves are useful and harmful?

The Attempt at a Solution



The examples for helpful I have so far are sound waves that allow us to communicate with one another and radio waves that enables us to use WiFi and cellphones. However I am not too sure about radio waves because they are electromagnetic waves and in the textbook it states that all vibrations require a medium to transfer waves, but electromagnetic waves do not require a medium so I am unsure about radiowaves.
So what? The question was about waves, not "vibrations".

I also added that waves are an efficient form of transferring energy : sound, radiation, and thermal.

The examples for harmful I have so far are seismic waves that cause earthquakes and tsunamis and sound waves that can be a nuisance at times.
 
  • #3
Think again about seismic waves and earthquakes: what is really the cause and the effect here?
 

1. What are some examples of when waves are useful?

Waves are useful in a variety of applications, including communication, transportation, and medical technology. For example, radio waves are used for wireless communication, sound waves are used in ultrasound imaging, and ocean waves are used for surfing and shipping.

2. How do waves help with weather forecasting?

Waves play a crucial role in weather forecasting as they can indicate the direction and intensity of winds and storms. Ocean waves, in particular, are monitored to track the movement of hurricanes and typhoons, providing valuable information for weather predictions.

3. Can waves be harmful to living organisms?

Yes, waves can be harmful to living organisms in certain situations. For example, high-frequency waves such as X-rays and gamma rays can damage DNA and cause health problems. Similarly, large ocean waves, known as tsunamis, can cause destruction and loss of life when they reach land.

4. How are waves used in everyday life?

Waves are used in everyday life in many ways. For instance, microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food, GPS devices use radio waves for navigation, and light waves are used in various forms of lighting. Additionally, our sense of hearing is based on sound waves, making them essential for communication and entertainment.

5. Can we control or manipulate waves?

Yes, we can control and manipulate waves in various ways. For example, lenses and mirrors can focus and redirect light waves, and radio waves can be modulated to carry information. Additionally, sound waves can be manipulated to cancel out unwanted noise, and ocean waves can be redirected or absorbed to protect coastlines from erosion.

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