Chapt. 13 Waves Flashcards
Define the period T of a wave.
The period of a wave is the time taken to produce one complete wave.
Define the frequency F of a wave.
The frequency F of a wave is the number of complete waves produced per second.
(f=1/T)
Define the wave speed v of a wave.
Wave speed v is the distance travelled by the wave per second.
(v=fλ)
Define the wavefront of a wave.
A wavefront is an imaginary line on a wave that joins all adjacent points that are in phase.
Define the amplitude A of a wave.
The amplitude A of a wave is the maximum displacement of a point from its rest position.
Define the crest of a wave.
A crest is the highest point of a transverse wave.
Define the trough of a wave.
A trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.
Define the wavelength λ of a wave.
The wavelength λ of a wave is the shortest distance between any two points in phase.
What is a wave?
It is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.
What are the three properties of a wave?
1) The source of a wave is a vibration or an oscillation.
2) Waves transfer energy from one point to another.
3) Waves transfer energy without transferring the medium.
What is a transverse wave? List two examples.
A transverse wave is a wave that travels perpendicular to the direction of the vibration of particles.
Eg. Water waves, light waves etc.
What is a longitudinal wave?
A longitudinal wave is a wave that travels parallel to the direction of vibration of particles.
Eg. Sound waves (only example)
