4. Waves Flashcards
The amplitude of a wave
The maximum displacement from equilibrium of an oscillating object.
The wavelength of a wave
The least distance between two adjacent particles in a wave with the same displacement and velocity.
The frequency of a wave
The number of cycles of a vibration each second.
Phase difference
The fraction of a cycle of the vibration between the two particles measured in radians.
The radian
The angle subtended by an arc-length of a circle that is equal to the radius.
A transverse wave
A wave where the displacement of the wave is perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
Longitudinal waves
Waves where the displacement of the wave is parallel to the direction of propagation.
Plane Polarized waves
Transverse waves where the displacement of the wave is in the same plane.
A standing wave
Where a wave reflects off a surface, superposes with itself to create nodes and anti-nodes
Superposition
Where the vector displacements of 2 waves add or subtract to create a resultant wave.
Diffraction
Where a wave spreads out after passing through a gap or around an edge
Path length
The distance from a source to a point
Path difference
The difference in 2 path lengths
Coherence
When 2 waves have a constant phase difference and the same frequency.
Node
A fixed point of zero amplitude on a standing wave
