P6- waves Flashcards
what is the amplitude of a wave?
the maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its undisturbed position.
what is the wavelength of a wave?
the distance between the same point on two adjacent waves.
what is the frequency of a wave?
the number of complete waves passing a certain point per second.
how do you find the period of a wave?
T= 1/f
period (s)= 1/frequency (Hz)
what are transverse waves?
traverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
what are longitudinal waves?
longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
how do you calculate wave speed?
wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)
all waves can be one of three things:
absorbed, transmitted or reflected.
what are EM (electromagnetic waves)?
transverse waves that transfer energy from a source to an absorber. they travel through vacuums at the same speed they do in air.
what are the 7 basic types of EM waves (list them in order based on their frequencies from low to high)
radio waves microwaves infrared visible light ultraviolet X-rays gamma rays
what can you use to measure the speed of sound?
an oscilloscope
what can you use to measure the speed of water ripple?
a strobe light
