Chapter 3 -Waves: Progressive waves Flashcards
Wave
A periodic disturbance in a medium or space.
Progressive wave
A wave that moves outwards from its source.
Displacement of a wave
Movement of a wave (or object) from one place to another.
Amplitude
Maximum displacement from the rest position.
Wavelength
The distance one wave travels.
One peak to one peak.
One trough to one trough.
Period of a wave
The time for a particle on a medium to make one complete cycle.
Frequency
The number of waves per second.
Phase difference
A fraction of a cycle between the oscillations of 2 particles.
The amount one wave lags behind another wave.
Peak/Crest
The highest maximum displacement on a wave.
Trough
The lowest maximum displacement on a wave.
How can you tell waves carry energy? (4 points)
. Electromagnetic waves cause things to heat up.
. X-rays and gamma rays knock electrons off their orbitals, causing ionisation.
. Loud sounds cause large oscillations of air particles. (Makes things vibrate).
. Wave power can be used to generate electricity.
Define reflection.
The wave bounces back when it hits a boundary.
Define refraction.
The waves change direction as it enters a different medium.
Slows down or speeds up.
Define diffraction.
The wave spreads out as it passes through a gap or around an obstacle.
Define phase.
A measurement of the position of a certain point along the wave cycle.
