Chapter 11 - Wave 1 Flashcards
What is a wave?
A wave is a method of transferring energy
What is amplitude?
Amplitude is the distance between the equilibrium position and the crest or trough
What is the formula for amplitude?
(Crest - Trough)///2
What is the difference between P and S waves?
P waves are longitudinal, can only travel through solids
S waves are transverse, travel through solid and liquids
What is a progressive wave?
A progressive wave is an oscillation that travels through matter (in some cases, a vacuum). All progressive waves transfer energy from one place to another; particles in the matter vibrate, but they do not move along the wave
What does dampening/attenuating mean?
The medium a wave travels through can dampen/attenuate the wave, which means to take energy away
How do particles act in a progressive wave?
When a progressive wave travels through a medium, particles in the medium move from their original equilibrium position to a new position and back
What is the restoring force?
Particles In the medium exert forces on each other, a displaced particle experiences a restoring force to be pulled back to its original position by its neighbour particles
How can a waves speed be changed?
A wave remains at the same speed unless the density of the medium is changed
What are the oscillations of a transverse wave like?
Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer: the peaks and droughts are where oscillating particles are at maximum displacement from equilibrium position
What is a misconception about particles in transverse and longitudinal waves?
The particles do not move constantly forward, but oscillate around the same equilibrium position
What are oscillations in a longitudinal waves
Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer: the compressions and rarefactions are where oscillating particles are closest and furthest separate
What is the amplitude of a longitudinal wave?
The amplitude in the distance a particle moves back and forth divided by 2
What is the displacement of a wave?
The distance from the equilibrium position in a particular direction
What is the amplitude of a wave?
Maximum displacement form the equilibrium position
