SP3a Waves Flashcards
What do waves not do?
transfer matter.
What do waves transfer?
energy and information.
What is a transverse wave?
a wave where the vibrations are at right angles to the direction in which the wave is travelling.
What is a longitudinal wave?
a wave where the vibrations are parallel to the direction in which the wave is travelling.
Wavelength?
distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave.
Amplitude? (metres)
maximum distance of a wave from its undisturbed position.
Wave velocity? (metres/second)
speed and direction a wave moves through a medium.
Frequency? (hertz)
number of waves passing a point each second.
Period? (seconds)
time for one complete wave to pass a point.
Rarefraction?
when waves in a longitudinal wave are far apart.
Compression?
when waves in a longitudinal wave are close together.
Period =
1/frequency
1Speed (m/s) =
distance (m)/time (s)
2 Speed (m/s) =
frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)
How to measure speed of sound? (4mainpoints)
.Measure time in seconds: Time the difference between seeing and hearing the event (e.g., explosion). Use a stopwatch.
.Measure distance in metres between the event and the timing position. Use a measuring wheel. Distance as large as possible to avoid reaction time error.
.Calculate using speed = distance/time
.Repeat three times, calculate mean.
