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
