Chapter 2 - General Wave Properties Flashcards
Define “wave”
A phenomenon in which energy is transferred from one place to another through vibrations, without the transfer of particles.
A wave carries energy ________ the wave source
away from
A wave transfers ________ without transferring ________
energy
matter
One end of a horizontal spring (e.g. slinky spring) can be moved up and down to generate waves which travel along the rope to the other end.
This produces ________ waves.
transverse
One end of a horizontal spring (e.g. slinky spring) can be moved to and fro to generate waves which travel along the rope to the other end.
This produces ________ waves.
longitudinal
Define “speed, v”
The distance moved by a wave in one second (per unit time)
SI units for “speed, v”
m s^-1
Define “frequency, f”
The number of crests or troughs that pass a point per second
or the number of complete waves generated per second
SI units for “frequency, f”
Hz (hertz)
Define “period, T”
The time taken to generate one complete wave
or the time taken for any given point on the wave (e.g. crest or trough) to move a distance of one wavelength
SI units for “period, T”
s (second)
Define “wavelength, λ”
The horizontal distance between two successive crests or two successive troughs in a wave
(or the distance between two successive points which are in phase)
Define “particles in phase”
Particles which are vibrating in the same direction with the same displacement at the same time
SI units for “wavelength, λ”
m (metre)
Define “amplitude, A”
The maximum displacement from the rest position (or equilibrium position) of the wave
(given by the height of the crest or depth of the trough from the rest position)
SI units for “amplitude, A”
m (metre)
Define “wavefront”
The line joining all the crests (or all points which are in phase) on a wave
In a plane wave, the wavefronts are ________
straight lines
Wave equation
v = fλ velocity = frequency × wavelength
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves which travel in a direction parallel to the direction of vibrations.
What is a compression in longitudinal waves?
A region where the wave particles are close to one another
What is a rarefaction in longitudinal waves?
A region where the wave particles are far apart (stretched)
What are transverse waves?
Waves which travel in a direction perpendicular to the direction of vibrations.
Along a rope or string: Nature of vibrations
Mechanical
Along a rope or string: Types of waves
Transverse
Along a spring (e.g. a slinky spring): Nature of vibrations
Mechanical
Along a spring (e.g. a slinky spring): Types of waves
Transverse or longitudinal
Water waves (e.g. in a ripple tank): Nature of vibrations
Mechanical
Water waves (e.g. in a ripple tank): Types of waves
Transverse
Sound waves: Nature of vibrations
Mechanical
Sound waves: Types of waves
Longitudinal
Electromagnetic waves: Nature of vibrations
Electromagnetic
Electromagnetic waves: Types of waves
Transverse
Earthquake waves: Nature of vibrations
Mechanical
Earthquake waves: Types of waves
Transverse or longitudinal
