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The Open University

What are waves?

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

This free course, What are waves? explains what waves are. It describes different types of wave as well as their properties. You can listen to the song of a humpback whale and learn about the process of echolocation which is used by dolphins tolocate their food. You will also conduct your own online research into how bats use echolocation to locate their prey and also to prevent other bats from locating the same prey.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 How do you make a wave?
  • 1 How do you make a wave?
  • 2 Restoring forces
  • 2 Restoring forces
  • 3 Types of wave
  • 3 Types of wave
  • 3.1 Transverse waves
  • 3.2  Longitudinal waves
  • 4 Graphical representation of waves
  • 4 Graphical representation of waves
  • 5 Sound and hearing
  • 5 Sound and hearing
  • 5.1 Echolocation
  • 5.2  Ultrasound imaging
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

4.4 rating at OpenLearn based on 12 ratings

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