Introduction to waves Flashcards
What is a crest?
The top part of a wave where its displacement is at its maximum
What is a trough?
The bottom part of a wave where its displacement is at a maximum.
How do you measure amplitude?
Maximum height of the wave measured from the middle
How do you measure wavelength?
Shortest distance between the one point and the same point on the next wave. Eg. the distance from one crest to the next crest.
How do you measure frequency?
The number of waves passing a point per second.
A frequency of 6Hz would mean six waves pass a point every second.
Equation for wave speed
wave speed (metres/s) = frequency(Hz) x wavelength(metres)
What are waves made up of?
A series of oscillations or vibrations travelling through space
What is a transverse wave?
Wave whose vibrations are at right angles to the direction of wave motion
What are oscillations?
Back-and-forth motion that repeats over and over again
