Physics Unit 5 Vibrations, Waves &Sound Flashcards
State the definition of a medium:
Medium: a substance (solid, liquid, gas or plasma) that can transport waves
State the definition of Vibration.
When a vibration or an oscillation repeats itself it causes a back and forth motion. Simple Harmonic Motion forms a wave.
Oscillations of a particle about an equilibrium point
State the definition of Oscillation.
To-and-Fro (Back and Forth) motion is called oscillatory motion
Describe the difference between mechanical and electromagnetics waves. Provide examples of each:
A. Mechanical Waves -
1.) also called a material wave - needs a medium to travel
2.) requires an initial energy energy input
3.) These include Transverse, Longitudinal and Surface Waves
B.) Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) and Waves
1.) The electromagnetic spectrum
a.) Radiation is the transfer of energy by electromagnetic waves
b.) They do not need a medium to travel through
c.) They travel at different speeds in different media, but are the fastest waves in nature (The speed of light, 3 x 10(to the 9th degree)m/s
d.)They have different frequencies and wavelengths that give them different properties.
e.) The electromagnetic spectrum
1. Electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum whereas mechanical waves do not.
2. The ripples made in a pool of water after a stone is thrown in the middle are an example of mechanical wave. Examples of electromagnetic waves include light and radio signals.
Describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.
In a transverse wave the pulse travels perpendicular to the direction the disturbance travels. In longitudinal waves, the wave moves in the same direction in which the wave travels. Motion along the direction of the wave rather than at right angles to it. The medium particles vibrate parallel to the motion of the pulse in longitudinal waves.
State the definition of amplitude:
The distance between the dashed line and point A is called the Amplitude of the wave. This is the maximum displacement that the wave moves away from its equilibrium.
Describe how to measure the amplitude of a wave from a diagram.
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State the definition of wave:
A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium form one location to another. A wave is the motion of a disturbance
