Key Wave Definitions And Equations Flashcards
Define displacement.
The distance from the equilibrium position in a particular direction.
Define amplitude.
The maximum displacement from the origin.
Define wavelength.
The minimum distance between two adjacent points on a wave oscillating in phase.
Define period.
The time taken for a full oscillation of one wavelength to pass a given point.
Define frequency.
The number of complete oscillations passing a given point per unit time.
Define wave speed.
The distance travelled by a wave per unit time.
What is phase difference?
The difference in displacement of particles along a wave, or in 2 different waves, measured in radians.
What is the formula for frequency?
f=1/T
f= Frequency
T= Time period
What is the formula for wave speed?
v= f λ
v= wave speed
f= frequency
λ= wavelength
What is the formula for phase difference?
• (Distance between the two points/Wavelength of the wave) x 2 π
Or
• (Time between the two points/Time period of the wave) x 2 π
What is Snell’s Law?
n1 sinθ1 = n2 sinθ2
What is the formula for the critical angle?
sinC= 1/n
What is the principle of superposition?
When two or more waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement of the wave at that point is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves.
