section 3 - waves Flashcards
1
Q
What is wavelength?
A
The distance from one peak to the next.
2
Q
What is Frequency?
A
- How many complete waves there are per second (passing a certain point).
- Measured in hertz (Hz). 1 Hz is 1 wave per second.
3
Q
What is amplitude?
A
The height of the wave (from rest to crest).
4
Q
What is the period (T)?
A
The time it takes (in s) for one complete wave to pass a point.
5
Q
What is the equation for wave frequency?
A
frequency = 1/ time period
6
Q
wave speed =
A
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
7
Q
Which waves are transverse waves?
A
- light and all other EM waves
- a slinky spring wiggled up and down
- ripples on water
8
Q
Which waves are longitudinal?
A
- sound and ultrasound
- shock waves e.g. some seismic waves
9
Q
What are transverse waves?
A
The vibrations are at 90 degrees to the direction energy is transferred by the wave.
The vibrations are side to side and the wave is travelling straight.
10
Q
What are longitudinal waves?
A
The vibrations are along the same way the wave transfers energy.
Vibrations in same direction as wave is travelling.
