4.4 Waves Flashcards
Define phase difference
Difference in displacement of particles along a wave, measured in radians
What is the equation to calculate phase difference.
x/Lambda * 2Pi
Define antiphase
When two waves are oscillating with a phase difference of pi or pi/2
Define diffraction
Spreading out of waves as it passes through a gap
Define Refraction
Change in direction of a wave due to change in speed
What can progressive waves undergo
Reflection, refraction and diffraction
What nature can only transverse waves undergo?
Polarization
Define superposition
When two waves meet at a point the resultant displacement of the waves at that point is equal to the sum of displacements of the individual wave
Define coherent
constant phase difference between two waves
During the young double slit experiment when two waves are coherent what occurs?
-Maxima, max brightness
what does each symbol represent in the equation lambda = ax/d
-a= the slits Infront of the laser
-x - distance between two maxima’s
-d- distance between screen and slit
What equation is used to calculate order of maxima
dsinx = nlambda
Define stationary wave.
When two progressive waves with the same frequency travelling in opposite direction superpose
Define nodes and antinodes
-Point on a stationary wave with zero displacement = nodes
-Point on a stationary wave with maximum displacement = antinodes
