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Physics year 1 > AS Waves Definitions > Flashcards

AS Waves Definitions Flashcards

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1
Q

Explain what is meant by frequency

A

The number of complete waves passing a point in one second

Or

The complete number of oscillations/ vibrations per second

Or

1 With t defined as time for 1
- Complete oscillation
T

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2
Q

Explain what is meant by coherent

A

Two sources of waves are coherent if they have the same frequency and a constant phase relationship

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3
Q

Explain what is meant by a transverse wave

A

The particle vibrations are perpendicular to direction of propagation of the wave (or energy transfer)

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4
Q

Explain what is meant by a longitudinal wave

A

The particle vibration (or disturbance/ oscillation) are the same (or parallel to) direction of propagation of the wave (or energy transfer)

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5
Q

Explain what is meant by a wavelength

A

Wavelength is the shortest distance between two points in a phase

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6
Q

Explain what is meant by particle displacement

A

Displacement is distance of particle from mean (or equilibrium) position

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7
Q

Explain what is meant by node

A

This is the fixed point in a stationary wave pattern where the amplitude is 0

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8
Q

Explain what is meant by antinode

A

This is the fixed point in a stationary wave where the amplitude is maximum

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9
Q

Explain what is meant by the period of a wave, T

A

The time for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a point

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10
Q

Explain what is meant by superposition

A

The effect of two waves adding together when they meet

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11
Q

Explain what is meant by amplitude

A

Amplitude is maximum displacement from mean (or equilibrium) position

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12
Q

Explain what is meant by plane polarised

A

The polarisation is restriction of the displacement vector to one plane

Or

Transverse waves are oscillating in one plane only

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13
Q

Explain what is meant by the first harmonic

A

When the stationary wave is vibrating at its lowest possible frequency

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14
Q

Explain what is meant by progressive wave

A

Wave that travels through a substance or space

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15
Q

Explain what is meant by a stationary wave

A

If is a pattern of nodes and antinodes formed when two or more progressive waves of the same frequency and amplitude pass through each other

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16
Q

Explain what is meant by a cycle of a wave

A

The interval for a vibrating particle of a certain Displacement and velocity to the next time the particle has the same displacement and velocity

17
Q

Explain what is meant by a fundamental mode of vibration

A

When the stationary wave is vibrating at its lowest possible frequency

18
Q

Explain what is meant by wavefront

A

Lines of coherent phase

19
Q

Explain what is meant by fundamental frequency

A

When the stationary wave is vibrating at its lowest possible frequency

Physics year 1 (10 decks)

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