Physics paper 2 Flashcards
What is the amplitude of a wave
The amplitude ( ) of a wave is 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 wave length
The distance between two adjacent waves at the same point
What is frequency
The number of complete waves passing a certain point a second
frequency is measured in Hz
1Hz is 1 wave per second
When a wave arrives at a boundary what three things could happen
Absorbed
Transmitted
Reflected
What happens if a wave is absorbed by a material
The energy of the wave is transferred to the materials energy stores
What happens if the wave is transmitted through a material
The waves carries on travelling through the material which often leads to refraction
What happens if a wave is reflected by a material
The wave hits a boundary and changes direction
What is Refraction
Waves changing direction at a boundary after hitting the boundary at an angle
What happens if the wave slows down
It bends closer to the normal
What happens if a wave speeds up
It bends away from the normal
Since speed increases and frequency is unchanged, the wavelength must increase.
What is optical density
Is a measure of how quickly light can go through a material
The higher the optical density, the slower the light travels through the material
What are the qualities of transverse waves
Oscillations/vibrations are perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the direction of energy transfer
What are the qualities of longitudinal waves
Oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
What type of wave are EM waves
Transverse
How do EM waves transfer energy
through vibrations of electric and magnetic fields
Why do EM waves have large ranges of frequencies
EM waves are generated by a variety of changes in atoms and their nuclei
What EM waves made up of
EM waves are made up of oscillating electric and magnetic charges
Why are Radio waves produced by AC current
AC are made up of oscillating charges. As the charges oscillate, they produce oscillating electric and magnetic fields i.e. radio waves/ EM waves
What is the object in which charges oscillate to produce radio waves called
A transmitter
Why can long radio waves be received even if they are not in the direct line of sight of the transmitter
Long radio waves diffract along the curvature of the Earth as well as around hills and other obstacles thus making it possible for them to be received
Why can short wave lengths be received from long distances
They are reflected off the ion sphere.
What is the disadvantage of TV and FM waves
They have very short wave lengths- So to get reception you must be in direct sight of the transmitter
What are the uses of microwaves
They are used in:
Satellites and microwaves
Why are microwaves used in satellites
Microwaves can easily pass through the Earths watery atmosphere