A spectrum of waves Flashcards
what is the amplitude of a wave?
the space between the rest point and the crest
what is the crest of a wave?
the highest point on a wave above its rest point
what is the trough of a wave?
the lowest point on a wave below its rest point
what is the frequency of a wave?
the number of complete waves passing a point in one second
what is the order of waves from the smallest to the biggest frequency?
gamma ray, x ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwave, radio
why does refraction occur?
because the speed of waves decreases as the wave enters a more dense medium and increases as the wave enters a less dense medium and increases as the wave enters a less dense medium. The frequency stays the same but the wavelength changes.
what does the size of a communications receiver depend on?
the wavelength of the radiation
what does the amount of diffraction depend on?
the size of the gap; the most diffraction occurs when the gap is a similar size to the wavelength
what are diffraction effects noticeable on?
telescopes and microscopes
what direction does a transverse wave travel?
in a direction at right angles to the wave vibration.
give an example of a transverse wave
light
how is wave speed calculated (equation)?
wave speed= frequency x wavelength
describe a radio wave?
have the lowest frequency
describe a gamma ray?
highest frequency
what do all electromagnetic waves travel in?
straight lines through a particular medium
what are microwave signals from satellites reflected by?
satellite dishes
what happens when a ray light strikes a mirror?
the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
how does a transverse wave travel?
a transverse wave travels in a direction at right angles to the wave vibration
give an example of a transverse wave
light
water
what is the wavelength of a wave?
the distance between two successive points on the wave
what is the unit of wavelength?
metre
what has the lowest frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum?
radio waves
in which direction do all electromagnetic waves travel in?
travel in straight lines through a particular medium
what happens when a light ray strikes a mirror?
the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
what happens when light passes from one medium into another at an angle to the boundary?
it changes direction
and what does this sometimes produce?
odd effects at the boundary between the two mediums
name 2 longitudinal waves
sound and seismic
what are the units for frequency?
hertz
how do you find velocity?
frequency x wavelength
