CP4 Waves Flashcards
Which of these things to waves transfer from one place to another: energy, information, matter?
energy and information NOT matter
Draw a diagram to show the amplitude of a wave
Draw a diagram to show the wavelength of a wave
What is a transverse wave?
the direction of vibrations is at right angles to the direction the wave is moving in
What is a longitudinal wave?
the direction of vibrations is parallel to the direction the wave is moving in
What is the frequency of a wave?
the number of peaks that pass by per second
What is the unit for frequency?
hertz Hz
Are the following waves transverse or longitudinal? Sounds waves, P-waves
Longitudinal
Are the following waves transverse or longitudinal? Light waves, water waves, S-waves
transverse
What is the formula for wavespeed?
Wavespeed = frequency x wavelength
What is the unit for wavespeed?
m/s
What is the unit for wavelength?
m
How do you measure the speed of sound in air?
Person A and person B a large distance apart - measure the distance. Person A brings arm down and sounds a loud noise. Person B measured the time from seeing the arm until hearing the sound. Use speed = distance/time to calculate. The larger the distance the more accurate.
How do you measure the speed of ripples on water surfaces?
Measure the distance one peak travels and the time it takes to travel then use speed=distace/time
What is refraction?
Where waves change direction AND SPEED at a boundary between 2 materials
What 2 things affect how much refraction occurs?
The substance they travel through and the wavelength of the wave
What is the order of colours in the visible light spectrum?
ROY G BIV Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet
