Module 4 - 4.4.1 Wave Motion Flashcards
Progressive Waves
Transfer energy from one place to another without any net transfer of matter
Transverse Waves
Particles oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
Longitudinal Waves
Particles oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Amplitude
The biggest distance a particle travels from its rest position (the maximum displacement)
Wavelength
The distance between two adjacent waves at the same position
Time Period
Time taken for one wave to pass a point
Frequency
The number of waves to pass a point per unit time
Total Internal Reflection
- result of both reflection and refraction
- occurs when angle of incidence > critical angle
- only works when going from slow to fast
The Critical Angle
the largest angle at which refraction occurs
Diffraction
The spreading out of waves through a gap
Diffraction is most pronounced when
The wavelength of the wave being diffracted is the same size as the gap that they are travelling through
Refraction
- occurs when a wave moves from one material into another
- wave changes speed and may change direction
The higher the refractive index
the slower the wave travels through the material
Intensity
Power per unit area
Polarisation
Oscillations can only occur in 1 plane
