L1: Waves Flashcards
Types of waves and their properties
What are the two types of waves?
Transverse and longitudinal
Define transverse wave
Oscillations are at a right angle to the direction of travel
Define longitudinal wave
Oscillations are parallel to the direction on travel
Examples of a transverse wave
Light, seismic S waves, water waves
Examples of longitudinal waves
Sound, seismic P waves, Ultrasound
What do waves transfer?
Energy
Do waves transfer matter?
No
Where do mechanical waves cause oscillations?
They cause oscillations of particles in a solid, liquid or gas and must have a
medium to travel through
Where to electromagnetic waves cause oscillations?
They cause oscillations in magnetic and electrical fields
Define crest
Highest point above the equilibrium
Define trough
Lowest point below the equilibrium
In what type of wave can you observe a crest and a trough?
Transverse
Define amplitude
the maximum displacement of a point of a wave from its equilibrium
Define period
The time taken for a full cycle of a wave
Define frequency
The number of oscillations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz)
Define wavelength
The distance of a full cycle of a wave, measure in metres (m)
Define compression
Where particles of a medium are squished together
Define rarefaction
where the particles of a medium are further apart (rarefied)
What is the equation for wavespeed?
Wavespeed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) * wavelength (m)
Symbol equation for wavespeed
v=fλ
What is a ripple tank?
A common way of making measurements of waves using a ruler
How are the waves shown in a ripple tank?
A light is shined through the water waves to show them
