Sound Light Waves Definitions

Question 1

Refraction

Answer 1

Occurs when a wave changes direction as it enters a new medium

Question 2

Reflection

Answer 2

The bouncing of waves off obstacles in their path

Question 3

Diffraction

Answer 3

The sideways spreading of waves through gaps and obstacles

Question 4

Interference

Answer 4

Addition of waves from more than one coherent source

Question 5

Interference pattern

Answer 5

Formed when two coherent sources meet

Question 6

Coherent sources

Answer 6

In phase and have the same frequency

Question 7

Constructive interference

Answer 7

Amplitude of resultant wave > amplitude of individual waves

Question 8

Destructive interference

Answer 8

The amplitude of the resultant wave < the amplitude of the individual waves

Question 9

A Wave

Answer 9

Means of moving energy through a medium w/ no net movement of the medium

Question 10

Medium

Answer 10

Substance through which a wave passes

Question 11

Two types of waves?

Answer 11

Transverse and longitudinal

Question 12

Longitudinal wave

Answer 12

E.g. sound , direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of the motion of the wave

Question 13

Transverse wave

Answer 13

E.g. light, the direction of the vibration is perpendicular to the direction of the motion of the wave

Question 14

Wavelength

Answer 14

Distance between two successive crests

Question 15

Amplitude

Answer 15

Max. Displacement from the rest

Question 16

Frequency

Answer 16

No. Of waves passing a point per sec

Question 17

Periodic time

Answer 17

Time taken for one complete cycle

Question 18

Polarisation

Answer 18

The confining of the vibrations of the wave to one plane only

Question 19

Stationary wave

Answer 19

Amplitude of the wave at any point is constant

Question 20

The Doppler Effect

Answer 20

The apparent change in frequency of a wave due to the relative motion of the observer or the source

Question 21

Travelling wave

Answer 21

Means of transferring energy through a medium w/o any net movement of the medium

Question 22

Dispersion

Answer 22

The breaking up of white light into its seven component colours

Question 23

Primary colours

Answer 23

(Red Blue Green )when all mixed together, form white light

Question 24

Secondary colours

Answer 24

When two primary colours mix. (Magenta Cyan Yellow)

Question 25

Complementary colours

Answer 25

Primary + secondary that when mixed together give white light (eg. Yellow and blue) (red + cyan) (green + magenta)

Question 26

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 26

Tv/radio wave , microwaves , infrared waves, visible waves , ultraviolet , x-ray , gamma ray ( Romeo Montague In Verona Underwent Xtreme Grief)

Question 27

Spectrometer

Answer 27

Device used to tudy the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter