Properties of waves Flashcards
What is a wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy and information without transferring matter.
What are the two types of waves?
- Transverse waves: Vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
- Longitudinal waves: Vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel.
Define amplitude.
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
Define wavelength.
The distance between two successive points in phase on a wave (e.g., crest to crest or trough to trough).
Define frequency.
The number of waves passing a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Define time period.
The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point.
Define wavefront.
A line connecting points on a wave that are at the same phase of their cycle.
What is the equation for wave speed?
Wave speed (v) = Frequency (f) × Wavelength (λ)
What is the equation for frequency?
Frequency (f) = 1 / Time period (T)
How can wave equations be applied to sound and electromagnetic waves?
Used to calculate the speed of sound in air or the speed of light in a vacuum.
What is the Doppler Effect?
The change in observed frequency and wavelength due to the motion of a wave source relative to an observer.
What happens to wavefronts when a source moves towards an observer?
The wavefronts bunch up, increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength.
What happens to wavefronts when a source moves away from an observer?
The wavefronts spread out, decreasing frequency and increasing wavelength.
Define reflection.
Reflection is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a surface that does not absorb its energy.
State the law of reflection.
Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection.
What happens to the frequency, wavelength, and speed of a wave when it is reflected?
They all remain unchanged.
What is refraction?
The change in direction of a wave due to a change in speed when entering a new medium.
When does significant diffraction occur?
When the gap is similar in size to the wavelength of the wave.
