11.1-11.5 Waves 1 Quizlet Cards Flashcards
What is a progressive wave?
A progressive wave that transfers energy through space.
What is a transverse wave?
A wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation
What is a longitudinal wave?
A wave in which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave propagation
Give an example of a longitudinal wave
Sound, primary seismic waves
Give an example of a transverse waves
Waves on a stretched string, secondary seismic waves, electromagnetic radiation
What are the regions of high pressure in a longitudinal wave called?
Compression
What are the regions of low pressure in a longitudinal wave called?
Rarefaction
What is the displacement of a wave?
The distance of a particle in the medium from it’s equilibrium position in a particular direction.
What is the equilibrium position in wave motion?
The position of the medium when undisturbed by a wave.
What is the amplitude of a wave?
Maximum displacement of the medium from the equilibrium position.
What is the frequency of a wave?
The number of wave cycles per second OR the number of waves passing a point per unit time
What is the time period of a wave?
Time taken for one complete oscillation OR time for a whole wavelength to pass a fixed point.
What is the relationship between frequency and time period?
f = 1/T or inverse proportionality
How many radians of phase are there in one complete wave cycle?
2π rad
What term describes a phase difference of zero between two points on a wave?
In phase
What term describes a phase difference of pi radians between two points on a wave?
In anti phase
What is the phase difference between points half a wavelength apart?
180 degrees OR π rad
What is the phase difference between points quarter of a wavelength apart?
90 degrees OR π/2 rad
What is an oscillation?
A displacement one way and then the other about an equilibrium position.
What is diffraction?
The spreading out of waves after passing through a slit/around an obstacle.
What effect does reducing the size of a single slit have on diffraction?
Diffracted waves spread out more
What is the effect of decreasing the wavelength on diffraction?
Diffracted waves spread out less
What is meant by the intensity of a wave?
Intensity is the energy delivered by the wave per second per square metre normal to the wave
How is the intensity of a wave related to the amplitude?
Intensity is proportional to amplitude squared.
How does intensity vary with distance from a point source of waves?
Inverse square law or I = P / 4πr²
What is a mechanical wave
A wave that requires a medium.
