physics Flashcards
what is a longitudinal wave?
the wave disturbance is in the same direction as the wave is travelling
what is a transverse wave?
the wave disturbance is perpendicular to the direction as the wave is travelling.
what is a period?
the length of time required for one full cycle of the wave to be completed
what is frequency?
how rapidly the source of the wave is vibrating. The units for frequency are hertz, Hz which are cycles per second
what is wavelength?
The distance between two similar features.
what is amplitude?
The distance from the rest position to the limit of a crest or trough.
what is a wave?
a wave transfers energy without a net transfer of matter
what is refraction?
bending of light as it moves between two media with different refractive indicies. - occurs because of change in speed of light
