P12 - Wave Properties 2️⃣✅ Flashcards
What is a wave?
Something that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter
What is an oscillation?
Vibrations - things moving back and forth in a fixed position
What is a medium?
A substance in which a wave is travelling through e.g. gas, liquid, solid
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves where its oscillations are parallel to the direction in which the wave transfers energy
What are transverse waves?
Waves where its oscillations are perpendicular to the direction in which the wave transfers energy
What is wavelength?
The distance along a wave from one place on one wave to the same place on another
What is amplitude?
The distance from the middle of the wave to the trough or peak
What are mechanical waves?
Waves that travel through a substance (medium)
What are electromagnetic waves?
Waves that travel through a vacuum and therefore no medium is required
Give some examples of mechanical waves
water waves, seismic waves, sound waves (use particles)
Give some examples of longitudinal waves
Sound waves, seismic P waves
Give some examples of transverse waves
electromagnetic waves, seismic S waves, water waves
What is the time period?
The time taken for a wave to pass a point
What is time period measured in?
Seconds
What is frequency?
The number of waves per second
What is the unit of frequency?
Hertz, Hz
How many Hz are in a MHz?
1 Million
How do you get from MHz to Hz?
x 1000000
What is the equation that link wave speed, frequency and wavelength?
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f x λ
m/s Hz m