I keep getting “Wave motion” questions wrong in Oscillations & Waves. What's the trap?
thinking the particles travel along with the wave.
The usual trap: thinking the particles travel along with the wave. How to avoid it: the particles only oscillate in place; the disturbance moves. Go back to the definition — a wave transfers energy and momentum through a medium without transporting the medium itself.
Key point
Wave motion
Common mistake
thinking the particles travel along with the wave.
Memory tip
the particles only oscillate in place; the disturbance moves.
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