What is meant by transfer of matter and energy in waves?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter LXX
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Energy Matter Waves
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Waves are characterized by the transfer of energy without any net transfer of matter. The concept of 'net transfer of matter' refers to the phenomenon where the movement of matter in one direction is counterbalanced by movement in the opposite direction, resulting in zero average displacement. This means that although matter may oscillate back and forth, the overall effect is that there is no net movement of matter. Thus, waves facilitate energy transfer while maintaining the position of matter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of energy transfer concepts
  • Familiarity with oscillatory motion
  • Concept of average displacement in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of wave mechanics in detail
  • Explore energy transfer methods in different types of waves
  • Study oscillatory motion and its applications in physics
  • Learn about the mathematical representation of wave functions
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental principles of energy transfer in waves.

LXX
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
All waves involve the transfer of energy without a net transfer of matter. What does 'net transfer of matter mean?':confused:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Hi LXX! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

When movement goes as far in one direction as the other, it averages out to being zero distance moved, i.e., no net movement.

If matter is moved as far in one direction as the other, there is zero average distance moved.

So it's saying that while matter may be seen to move backwards & forwards (or up & down), that movement averages out to no movement. Overall, there is no net movement.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
NascentOxygen said:
Hi LXX! http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5725/red5e5etimes5e5e45e5e25.gif

When movement goes as far in one direction as the other, it averages out to being zero distance moved, i.e., no net movement.

If matter is moved as far in one direction as the other, there is zero average distance moved.

So it's saying that while matter may be seen to move backwards & forwards (or up & down), that movement averages out to no movement. Overall, there is no net movement.


Thank you sooooo much!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

High School Why the energy that waves transfer is only dependent on amplitude
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
High School Do physical (macroscopic) waves consist of matter?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad What happens to energy when it has nowhere to transfer?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad What Are the Lesser-Known Subjects Studied in Physics?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Chemistry How to understand the energy involved in mass transfer into an open system?
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Undergrad What can we scientifically measure directly?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
High School Explanations about Kardashev type 1 civilizations
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Undergrad Distinctions among the concepts: mass, matter, energy
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School How does hawking radiation escape a black hole?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Freqeuncy of Matter Waves Approaches Infinity as Velocity Approaches c
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K