G482 Difinitions Flashcards
Compressions
A region in a longitudinal wave (e.g sound wave) where te particles are closest together.
Amplitude of wave
Maximum displacement.
Displacement
The distance of an oscillating particle measured from the mean/equilibrium/undisturbed position (expressed as a vector).
Frequency
The number if complete wavelengths passing a point per unit time.
Intensity
Intensity is the (incident) energy per unit (cross-sectional) area per second.
Longitudinal wave
A wave where the oscillations/vibrations of the particles/medium are in the direction of travel of the wave. E.g. Sound
Mechanical wave
A wave which requires particles/a medium in order to be able to travel. E.g. Sound & water
Phase
This is the stage that a particle has reached with complete oscillation. ???????????
Progressive wave
A wave which transfers energy/shape/information from one place to another.
Rarefaction
A region in a longitudinal wave ( such as a sound wave) where the particles are furthest apart.
Reflection
When a wave hits a surface and bounces back.
Refraction
When a wave crosses an interface between two medium and so changes its speed. If the wave hits the interface at an angle (not 90 degrees), then it changes direction.
Speed of wave
Distance travelled by the wave per unit time.
Time (period), T
Time taken for one complete oscillation of a particle. T=1/f
Transverse wave
A wave where the oscillation/vibration of the particles/medium (in the plane) are at right angle to the direction of travel of the wave. E.g. Surface water waves or electromagnetic waves.
Wave
A periodic disturbance which carried energy as it travels. It is characterised by vibrations (oscillations) of the particles/medium (or fields for electromagnetic waves only).
Wavefront
A set of particles which are all in phase and the same direction from the source.
Wavelength
The distance between two neighbouring identical points which are at the same phase.
Continous spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum where all wavelength/frequencies are present (in the radiation).
Dispersion
The splitting of light into its different wavelengths (to make a spectrum).
Electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic spectrum)
A family of waves which are made from oscillating electric and magnetic fields. All the waves are transverse and can travel through a vacuum at the speed if light, c = 3.0 X 10*8 ms-1
Malus’s Law
The intensity if light transmitted through a polarising filter is equal to I0cos*2 0