Comprehensive Tutorial on Mechanical Waves

 This site provides a comprehensive overview of wave mechanics, complete with simple simulations and extensions for both the student and the teacher. Characteristics of general mechanical wave behavior such as refraction, reflection, and interference are discussed. The application of wave mechanics to the phenomenon of sound is included. Students can find wave mechanics quite mysterious. The particles of the medium do not experience a net displacement, and yet the wave disturbance can travel long distances. Illustrations and explanations on this site help demystify the concept of wave propagation using clear and relatively simple language. The mathematics of simple harmonic motion is discussed in a conceptual way, and various harmonics in standing waves are illustrated as well. Sound as an example of a mechanical wave is explained and illustrated using simple but effective animations. The Doppler Effect is explained using several clear figures that illustrate wavelength compression in front of a moving source, and wavelength extension behind the moving source.