P5 - Waves in matter Flashcards
Define Amplitude
The distance from the undisturbed rest position to the peak or trough of a wave.
Define Wavelength, and how it’s different between longitudinal waves and transverse waves
The distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next wave.
Transverse wave:
- The wavelength can be measured from one peak to the next peak.
Longitudinal wave:
- The wavelength can be measured from the centre of one compression to the centre of the next.
Wavelength symbol
λ (Lambda)
Define Frequency
The number of waves passing a point in a second.
Define time period
- The time taken for a single wave to pass a point.
Equation for time period
T = 1/f
Equation for wave speed
- Wave speed = Frequency x Wavelength
- v = f x λ
v = wave speed in metres per second (m/s)
f = frequency in Hertz (Hz)
λ = wavelength in metres (m)
Equation for frequency
f = 1/T
Define waves
- Waves are repeated oscillations that transfer energy.
Define transverse waves
- Waves where the direction of vibrations and energy transfer is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave.
Define longitudinal waves
- Waves where the direction of vibrations and energy transfer is the same as the direction of the wave.
Law of incidence
Angle of incidence = angle of reflection
What happens when light enters a ‘less optically dense’ material?
- The light will speed up.
- The light is refracted further away from the normal.
What happens when light enters a ‘more optically dense’ material?
- The light slows down.
- The light is refracted closer to the normal.