General wave properties Flashcards
Define a wave
A wave is a disturbance that propagates through space, transferring energy but not matter
What is a wave source
A wave source is a vibration or oscillation
What are some examples of transverse waves
- Electromagnetic waves
- Water waves
Define amplitude
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point from its rest position
What are some examples of longitudinal waves
Sound waves
Define a transverse wave
A transverse wave is a wave that has a direction of vibration that is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel
Define a longitudinal wave
A longitudinal wave is a wave that has a direction of vibration that is parallel to direction of wave travel
Define wavelength
Wavelength is the shortest distance between any 2 points of a wave which are in phase
What is a displacement-distance graph
A plot of the displacements of all points of a wave at an instant
Define wave speed
Distance travelled by the wave per unit time
What does it mean for points to be in phase
- Same direction
- Same speed
- Same displacement
From their rest position
Define period
The time taken to produce one complete wave
Define frequency
Number of complete waves produced per unit time
What is a displacement-time graph
Plot of the displacement of a single point of a wave over a continuous duration
Describe wave speed and wavelength in water
Shallow water
- Low wave speed
- Low wavelength
Deep water
- High wave speed
- High wavelength
