4.2 Measuring waves Flashcards
Define displacement
the displacement of a vibrating particle is its distance and direction from its equilibrium position
Define amplitude
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of a vibrating particle.
Define wavelength
the wavelength of a wave is the least distance between 2 adjacent vibrating particles with the same displacement and velocity at the same time.
Define 1 complete cycle
One complete cycle of a wave is from maximum displacement to the next maximum displacement
Define period
The period of a wave is the time for 1 complete wave to pass a fixed point
Define frequency
the frequency of a wave is the number of cycles of vibration of a particle per second, or the number of complete waves passing a point per second. (Hz)
For waves of frequency f, the period of the wave is ?
1/f
What is the correlation between frequency and wavelength?
The higher the frequency of a wave, the shorter its wavelength.
What does a wave crest represent?
Each wave crest travels a distance equal to one wavelength in the time taken for one cycle
What is the equation used to find the speed of waves?
wave speed, c = f x λ
What is the equation used to find the speed of waves?
wave speed, c = f x λ
Define phase difference
In radians, for 2 objects oscillating with the same time period, the phase difference = 2π△t/ Tp, Where △t is the time between successive instants when the 2 objects are at maximum displacement in the same direction.
What is the phase of a vibrating particle?
The phase of a vibrating particle at a certain time is the fraction of a cycle it has completed since the start of the cycle.
How do you find the phase difference in radians?
the phase difference in radians = 2πd/λ
