properties of waves Flashcards
What is wavelength?
The distance of one whole oscillation (vibration) of that wave
What is the amplitude?
The maximum displacement from the x axis
What is the time period?
The time it takes for one entire oscillation of a wave
What is the formula for frequency?
frequency = 1/time period
What is the unit for frequency?
Hz (hertz)
What is the formula for wave speed?
Velocity = frequency x wavelength (freddie versus larry)
What’s the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?
The oscillations of a transverse wave are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, the oscillations of a longitudinal wave are parallel
What are the different types of electromagnetic waves?
Radio, micro, infrared, visible, ultra violet, x-ray, gamma
are electromagnetic waves transverse or longitudinal?
Transverse
What’s the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?
The angles are always the same
When does specular reflection happen?
happens on flat surfaces
What kind of image does specular reflection produce?
A clear image
When does diffuse reflection happen?
When the surface of the material is bumpy
What kind of image does diffuse reflection cause?
an unclear one
What is refraction?
The change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium (air) to another (glass) chase by a change in speed due to the density of the medium
Which way will light travelling from a less dense to more dense material bend?
Towards the normal
What happens to wave frequency in refraction?
It stays the same
What happens to the wavelength in refraction?
If the speed of a wave increases the wavelength increases
