Mechanical waves Flashcards
What is a transverse wave?
Oscillations/vibrations are perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer
What is a longitudinal wave?
Oscillations/vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Give an example of a transverse wave
Electromagnetic waves
Example of a longitudinal wave
Sound waves
What is a compression?
Area in longitudinal waves where the particles are squashed closer together
What is a rarefaction?
Area in longitudinal waves where the particles are pulled further apart
What is the amplitude of a wave?
Maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position
What is the wavelength of a wave?
Distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave
What is the frequency of a wave?
Number of waves passing a fixed point per second
What unit is frequency measured in?
Hertz (Hz)
What property of a wave always stays the same when it travels from one medium to another?
Frequency
What rules do waves follow when they reflect off a surface?
Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
What happens when waves are transmitted at a boundary between two substances?
They carry on moving at a different speed
What happens when waves are absorbed by a substance?
Energy of the wave is transferred to energy stores of the substance
