chapter 12 - wave properties Flashcards
what is a transverse wave?
a wave in which the vibrations are perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer
what is a longitudinal wave?
a wave in which the vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
example of transverse wave?
electromagnetic waves (light)
example of longitudinal wave?
sound waves
what is a compression?
an area in longitudinal waves where the particles are squashed closer together
what is a rarefaction?
an area in a longitudinal waves where the particles are pulled further apart
whats the top and lowest part of the wave called?
peak and trough
what is the amplitude of the wave?
the maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position
what is the wavelength of a wave?
the distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave
what is the frequency of a wave?
the number of waves passing a fixed point per second
what unit is frequency measured in?
hertz (Hz)
what property of a wave always stays the same when it travels from one medium to another?
frequency
what happens when waves are transmitted at a boundary between two substances?
they carry on moving at a different speed
what happens when waves are absorbed by a substance?
the energy of the wave is transferred to energy stores of the substance
what is refraction?
when waves change speed and direction as they cross the boundary from one substance to another due to the change in velocity
