properties of waves Flashcards
what are the two types of waves?
1) transversal
2) longitudinal
what is a transverse wave?
where the vibrations are at a 90 degrees to the direction of energy transfer.
what is a longitudinal wave?
where the vibrations are parallel to the direction of the energy transfer.
what is a wavelength?
the distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave.
what is wavelength measured in?
in metres
what is an amplitude?
the height of a wave measured from middle of the wave to its top or from its middle to the bottom.
what are wavefronts?
invisible planes that cut across all the waves, connecting the points on adjacent waves which are vibrating together.
what is the frequency of a wave?
waves per second
what are the units of frequency?
hertz (Hz)
what is the time period of a wave?
the time taken for a single wave to pass a point. measured in seconds.
does matter travel when a wave travels between two points?
no, no matter travels when a wave travels between two points. however, the wave does transfer energy.
state the equation linking wave speed, frequency and wave length.
wave speed (v) = frequency (f)x wavelength (the fancy sign)
state the equation linking frequency, 1 and time period
frequency = 1 / time period
