Midterm 4: Waves and Mirrors Flashcards
Wave
a traveling disturbance that transmits energy (travels through a medium)
pulse
a single disturbance
periodic wave
regular repeating disturbance
what are the 4 types of waves
longitudinal, transverse, mechanical, and electromagnetic (EM)
longitudinal wave
the vibrating disturbance is parallel to the direction of travel of the wave
exs of longitudinal wave
sound, seismic wave (p-wave)
transverse wave
vibration is at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave
exs of transverse wave
electromagnetic (EM) wave, seismic wave (s-wave), wave on a rope/spring
mechanical wave
requires a medium to travel through
exs of mechanical wave
sound, seismic
medium
the matter through which a wave travels
electromagnetic (EM) wave
don’t require a medium to travel through
exs of electromagnetic (EM) wave
light, x-rays, radio
sound
longitudinal compression waves
visible light
transverse wave
frequency(f)
of disturbances per second
what are the units of frequency
hertz
what are the units of period
seconds
period (T)
the time it takes for one wave to pass by a given point
amplitude (A)
max. vertical displacement from rest position.
what determines the energy of a wave
amplitude
crest (peak)
the highest point above the equilibrium position
trough
the lowest point below the equilibrium position
wavelength(λ)
the distance from crest to crest or from trough to trough


