P12 Wave Properties Flashcards
What observations can be made as evidence that waves transfer energy without transferring matter?
A floating object on water as small waves/ripples pass it:
The object moves up and down as the ripples pass, but it does not move along the surface of the water.
A tuning fork vibrating so that it makes sound waves travel through the air away from it:
The air itself doesn’t travel away from the vibrating object because if it did a vacuum would be created.
What are mechanical waves?
vibrations that travel through a medium
What are electromagnetic waves?
waves which can all travel through a vacuum at the same speed of 300,000 km/s, no medium is needed
What are examples of mechanical waves?
sound waves, water waves, waves on springs and ropes, and seismic waves produced by earthquakes
What is the difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves?
mechanical waves need a medium to travel through, but electromagnetic waves don’t
What are transverse waves?
waves that have oscillations that move perpendicular to the direction in which the waves transfer energy (are moving)
Are electromagnetic waves transverse or longitudinal?
transverse
Which is transverse:
waves on a rope or spring?
rope
What are longitudinal waves?
waves that have oscillations that are parallel to the direction in which the waves transfer energy
Which is longitudinal:
waves on a rope or spring?
spring
Are sound waves transverse or longitudinal?
longitudinal
Are mechanical waves transverse or longitudinal?
can be either
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
transverse - oscillations are perpendicular
longitudinal - oscillations are parallel
What is the area in a longitudinal wave called when the oscillations are closer together?
compression
What is the area in a longitudinal wave called when the oscillations are further apart?
rarefractions
