07 Mechanical Waves Flashcards
What is a progressive wave?
Transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.
What is the definition of wave speed?
The distance travelled by a wave front per unit time.
If uncertainties are to be added or subtracted, what should you do?
Add the uncertainties
If uncertainties are to be multiplied or divided, what should you do?
Add the percentage uncertainties
If an uncertainty is to raised to a power, what should you do?
Multiply the percentage uncertainty by that power.
What must you do in order to produce a continuous wave on a slinky?
One end of the slinky must be continuously moved from side to side.
What happens in one cycle of vibration?
One point in the medium oscillates from it’s equallibrium position to one extreme to the other extreme and back to the equilibrium position.
What is a transverse wave?
A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
What is the direction of propagation also known as?
The direction of energy transfer.
Where is the peak of a transverse wave?
The highest point
What is the peak of a wave also known as?
The creast
Where is the trough on a transverse wave?
The lowest point on a wave
What is a longitudinal wave?
A wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of the propagation.
Where is the compression on a longitudinal wave?
A region where the turns are close together.
Where is the rarefaction on a longitudinal wave?
A region where the turns are far apart than position.
What type of wave is a microwave?
Transverse
What is a wavelength (λ)?
The distance between 2 consecutive points that are in phase.
What is the amplitude of a wave?
The maximum displacement of a vibrating point in the medium from the mean position.
