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The Open University

What are waves?

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

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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

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

4.5 rating at OpenLearn based on 13 ratings

Start your review of What are waves?

  • I highly recommend that you take this course though it may take 3 hours, in reality you can do it all in an hour but everyone has their own learning pace so take your time and enjoy the short and detailed course that is "What are waves?"

    You can get a copy of the lesson if you see the download on the left side.

    All the best!

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