P1.2.1 - Waves Flashcards
What is a wave?
An oscillation (eg vibration) that transfers energy or information.
It can also be an undulation on the surface of water.
Describe a longitudinal wave.
The oscillaiton is parrallel to the direction of the wave.
A wave that has bounced off a barrier is called the…
reflected wave.
What is meant by the amplitude of a wave
The height of a peak or depth of a trough.
What is meant by the wavelength of a wave?
The distance between the same points on a wave e.g. distance between peaks.
The top of a wave is called the…
Peak or Crest
The bottom of a wave is called a…
Trough
What is meant by superposing waves?
When waves are put together
What is another word for vibration?
An oscillation
A wave that is travelling towards a barrier is called the…
incident wave
Identify the missing label on this longitudinal wave.
Compressions
Describe a transverse wave.
The oscillation moves 90° to the direction of the wave
What do we call it when a wave bounces off a surface or barrier?
Reflection
What is another word for an oscillation?
A vibration
What 2 things can happen when waves are put together? (superposed)
They cancel out
They add together
Identify the 2 types of wave.
Transverse Wave
Longitudinal Wave
What can waves transfer?
Energy
Information
What is a wave in science?
A vibration (oscillation)
What is meant by the frequency of a wave?
The number of waves per second
Identify the missing label on this longitudinal wave.
Rarefactions
What are the 3 features or ‘properties’ of a wave?
- amplitude
- frequency
- wavelength
Sound is a _________ wave.
longitudinal
Light is a ______ wave.
transverse
