• When waves interact with matter, they can transfer the energy they are carrying to it

• This energy can be transformed (changed) into different forms

Waves and Matter

The energy transmitted by the wave transforms into another type based on:

• The type of wave

• The amount of energy in the wave

• The matter with which the wave is interacting

What Determines The Type of Energy?

Examples of Energy Transformation From Waves

• ​Infrared Radiation - transformed into thermal energy (heat) when it interacts with matter

• Ultraviolet Radiation - transformed into chemical energy as it breaks the chemical bonds in matter

• Microwave Radiation - transformed into thermal energy when it interacts with water molecules and causes them to speed up

Mechanical Wave - any wave that must have a medium to travel

• Sound waves

• Seismic waves (earthquakes)

• Water waves

• They transfer mechanical energy

What About Mechanical Waves?