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NSFC AQA A Level Physics 12C > 3.1 Progressive and stationary waves > Flashcards

3.1 Progressive and stationary waves Flashcards

1
Q

Define amplitude.

A

Maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position.

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2
Q

Define frequency.

A

The number of wave cycles passing through a point per second.

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3
Q

Define Wavelength.

A

The distance between two idential points on a wave.

e.g. two adjacent troughs/peaks on a wave.

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4
Q

Define time period.

A

The time to complete one wave cycle.

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5
Q

What is the equation linking frequency and time period?

A
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6
Q

Define phase.

A

Position of a certain point on a wave cycle.

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7
Q

What is phase difference?

A

How much a wave lags behind another wave.

Measured as angles (radians and degrees) or fractions of a cycle

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8
Q

What is a progressive wave?

A

Waves that carry energy between points.

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9
Q

What is a longitudinal wave?

A

Direction of vibration of the particles/fields is parallel to the direction of energy propagation

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10
Q

What is a transverse wave?

A

Direction of vibration of the particles/fields is perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation

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11
Q

What type of wave is a sound wave?

A

Longitudinal

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12
Q

What type of wave is a electromagnetic wave?

A

Transverse

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13
Q

What does it mean for a wave to be polarised?

A

The wave oscillates only in one direction.

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14
Q

How is polarisation used as evidence of the nature of transverse waves?

A

Polarisation can only occur if a wave’s oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of motion

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15
Q

How does a polarisation filter work?

A

Blocks all oscillations not parallel to the filter’s transmission axis.

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16
Q

What is the principle of superposition?

A

When two waves meet, the total displacement at a point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements at that point.

17
Q

What is a stationary wave?

A

A wave which transfers no energy and whose positions of maximum and minimum amplitude are constant.

18
Q

What is constructive interference?

A

When two waves meet and are in phase.

19
Q

What is destructive interference?

A

When two waves meet and are 180o out of phase

20
Q

What are nodes?

A

A point on a stationary wave where the displacement is 0.

Point of destructive interference

21
Q

What are antinodes?

A

A point on a stationary wave with maximum displacement.

Point of constructive interference

22
Q

What is the distance between adjacent nodes?

A

Half a wavelength

Same for adjacent antinodes

23
Q

How are stationary waves formed?

A
  • The waves must be of the same frequency, wavelength and amplitude.
  • They must be travelling in opposite directions.
24
Q

What is the equation for the first harmonic?

A
25
Q

What is the nth harmonic?

A

n times the first harmonic

NSFC AQA A Level Physics 12C (19 decks)

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