Mocks-waves Flashcards
Wave definition
A wave is produced by a disturbance, vibration,oscillation which transfers energy and information but not matter
wavelength
The distance between any 2 consecutive waves
distance
How far the wave has travelled from its starting point
Displacement
How far from the equilbrium point the wave has oscillated
maximum displacement
amplitude
amplitude
the distance from the rest/median/equilibrium/0 line to the crest or trough.
Amplitude indicates
loudness
Displacement time graph-oscillation is
the time period- the time it takes for one complete oscillation
Frequency =
1/time period
frequency definition
the number of complete waves that pass a point in a second
Time period=
1/frequency
Frequency determines
pitch
Transverse wave
-It is produced when the disturbance/vibration is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the direction of energy transfer (vibrations go up and down whilst the overall wave is going from left to right)
examples of transverSe waves
- electromagneTic waves
- secondary seismic waves (earthquakes)
- ripples/waves
- waves of strings
Longitudinal wave
-It is produced when the disturbance/vibration is parallel to the direction of energy/data transfer (the waves vibrate back and forth so they have compressions and rarefactions).
Examples of longitudinal waves
- primary seismic waves
- sound waves
wavelength
The distance between any 2 consecutive waves
How to measure the wavelength on longitudinal waves
- measure from one compression to the next compression or one rarefaction to the next rarefaction
Period
The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point
Are waves always reflected?
No
When a wave reaches a boundary, it will either
- be absorbed by the material so the energy from the wave is transferrd to that material’s energy stores
- the wave could be transmitted (where the wave enters the material but carries on travelling and passes out other side- often refraction)
- reflection- wave never enters the material
What does the action of a wave depend on?
- wavelength
- properties of two materials
Angle of incidence=
angle of reflection
normal
a dashed line that is perpendicular to the surface
Point of incidence
Where the incoming ray touches the boundary
Mirrors
boundary is flat - all normals are in same direction so all of the incoming light rays will be reflected in the same direction. This is called specular reflection. Gives us a clear image.
Paper
-Relatively rough surface. Boundary different. Normals will be different but incoming light rays the same. Light will be reflected in all different directions. Diffuse/scattered reflection. Normally can’t see ourselves.
Paper
-Relatively rough surface. Boundary different. Normals will be different but incoming light rays the same. Light will be reflected in all different directions. Diffuse/scattered reflection. Normally can’t see ourselves.