C.2 Wave model Flashcards
Mechanical waves
Waves that require a medium to travel through, such as water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves
Wave
An oscillation that transfers energy but not matter, classified into longitudinal and transverse types
Transverse wave
A wave where the direction of oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
Longitudinal wave
A wave where the direction of oscillation is parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Oscillation in waves
The movement of particles in waves about a fixed point, accelerating towards that point, akin to simple harmonic motion
Wavelength (λ)
The distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough
Frequency (f)
The number of waves that pass a point per second, measured in hertz (Hz)
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of points on a wave from the equilibrium position, measured in meters.
Time Period (T)
The time it takes for one complete wave cycle to pass a point, measured in seconds
Wave Speed (v)
The speed at which the wave propagates through the medium, calculated as v = fλ
Sound waves
Longitudinal mechanical waves that need a medium to travel, characterized by compressions and rarefactions
Factors affecting the speed of sound
The speed varies with the medium, around 330 m/s in air, modified by environmental conditions like temperature and pressure
Electromagnetic waves
Waves that can travel through a vacuum, including visible light, radio waves, and X-rays, oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles
Components of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Spans from the shortest waves, gamma rays, to the longest, radio waves. It’s categorized by frequency or wavelength, highlighting how visible light forms a tiny, perceivable segment of this vast spectrum
Speed of light
All electromagnetic waves travel at this speed in a vacuum, 3.00 × 10^8 m/s, with wavelength inversely proportional to frequency
