5.1.1 - Waves and their Properties Flashcards
What is a wave?
An oscillation that transfers energy.
What is a transverse wave?
When the direction of the irbration is 90 degrees to the direction of the wave.
In terms of a spring, what do you do to model a transverse wave?
Wave it.
What is a longitudinal wave?
When the direction of individual air molecules are equal to the direction of the wave.
What is the main example of a longitudinal wave?
Sound wave.
In terms of a spring, what do you do to model a longitudinal wave?
Push it.
What do mechanical waves need in order to function?
A medium to travel through.
Definition of frequency?
Number of waves per second.
Definition of time period?
Time taken for one wave to pass a given point.
In terms of water, how can a sound wave be modeled?
A ripple.
The wave moves away from the cork (your mouth) but the water (air) does not move.
