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)
