Physics: Wave, sound and light Flashcards
Medium
Substance or material in which a wave will move
Pulse
Single disturbance that moves through a medium
Transverse pulse
A wave where the direction of movement of the particles of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave e.g. light
Pulse amplitude
The distance between the line of equilibrium (rest position) and the displacement of the pulse
Pulse length
A measure of how long the pulse is along the line of equilibrium
Wave
A periodic, continuous disturbance that consists of a train of pulses
Transverse wave
A wave where the direction of movement of the particles of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave
Amplitude
The magnitude of the maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position Unit: metre (m) Symbol: A
Peak (crest)
Point on the wave where the displacement of the medium is at a maximum
Troughs
Point on wave where displacement of the medium is at a MINIMUM
Points in phase
If particles have the same amplitude and are moving in the same direction
Wavelength
Distance between any two adjacent points that are in phase
Superposition
The sum of two waves (or pulses) that occupy the same space at the same time
Interference
The “effect” you get when two waves (or pulses) occupy the same space at the same time Can be constructive (= larger amplitudes) or destructive (= smaller amplitudes)
Period
The time taken for successive points that are in phase to pass a fixed point. Unit: second (s) Symbol: T
