P6 Flashcards
what is the amplitude of a wave
the distance from the centre line (or the still position) to the top of a crest or to the bottom of a trough
what is the wavelength of a wave
the distance between identical points (adjacent crests) in the adjacent cycles of a waveform signal propagated in space or along a wire
what is the frequency of a wave
the number of waves produced by a source each second
what is the period of a wave
The time it takes for two successive crests (one wavelength) to pass a specified point
describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves
In longitudinal waves , the vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel. In transverse waves , the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of wave travel.
example of transverse waves
vibrations in a guitar string.
give an example of longitudinal waves
sound waves
explain the term absorption in terms of waves
the transfer of energy from a wave to a medium
explain the term transmission in terms of waves
the movement of a wave through a medium
explain the term reflection in terms of waves
the change in direction of a wave front at an interface between two different media so that the wave front returns into the medium from which it originated.
true or false an electromagnets waves are transverse
true
give an example of electromagnetic waves transferring energy from a source to an absorber
microwave
explain refraction
Refraction is the change in direction of a wave at such a boundary
what kind of current is used to generate radio waves in an antenna
alternating current
explain why microwaves (small waves not a microwave) are used for satellite communication and phone signals
Microwaves pass easily through the atmosphere, so they can pass between stations on Earth and satellites in orbit.
