Chapter 12 - Waves 2 Flashcards
(15 cards)
State the principle of superposition of waves.
The resultant displacement at any point is found by adding the displacements of each separate wave.
Define interference.
Superposition of progressive waves to create a wave with a larger or smaller displacement.
What is coherence?
When waves have a constant phase difference.
Path Difference
The difference in distance that 2 waves travel from their source to a point.
Define phase difference.
The difference between the displacements of particles along 1 or multiple waves.
When the phase difference is a fraction of a wavelength, is this constructive or destructive interference?
Destructive
What do the letters represent in the equation λ=ax/D ?
a - separation of slits
x - separation of maxima
D - distance between slit & screen
What is a stationary wave?
The superposition of 2 progressive waves with the same wavelength, moving in opposite directions.
True or false: stationary waves transfer energy
False
How do you find the wavelength of a stationary wave?
Distance between adjacent nodes x 2
What points in a stationary wave could be described as being in antiphase?
One point between a set of nodes, and another point between an adjacent set of nodes.
True or false: in a stationary wave, amplitude is different depending on the position of the point on the wave
True.
Fundamental Frequency
The lowest frequency at which an object can vibrate.
What is the fundamental mode of vibration?
A vibration at the fundamental frequency.
What is meant by the word harmonic?
A whole number multiple of the fundamental frequency.
