SP4 - Waves Flashcards
What are transverse waves?
Waves that oscillate perpendicular towards the direction energy is transferred.
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves that oscillate parallel towards the direction energy is transferred
What is an example of transverse waves?
Light waves
Water waves
Earthquakes
What are examples of longitudinal waves?
Sound waves
What is the formula for wave speed?
Distance
Wave Speed = ——————-
Time
What is the definition of amplitude?
The maximum displacement.
What is the definition of frequency?
The number of wavelengths per second
What is the unit for frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
What is the definition of wave length?
The distance between two matching points.
What is the definition of the time period?
The time for one complete oscillation.
What is the other formula for wave speed?
Wave speed = Frequency x wavelength
What is the unit for wave speed?
m/s
What is refraction?
Refraction is the change of speed, wavelength and direction when a wave hits the boundary between two different mediums.
Do waves speed up or slow down in mediums with lower density?
Speed up
What can happen to a wave when it reaches the boundary between two mediums?
Be reflected
Be refracted
Be transmitted
Be absorbed
What does it mean if a wave is reflected?
It ‘bounces’ off the boundry
What does it mean if the wave is refracted?
The wave passes into the new material and changes speed, direction and wavelength.
What does it mean if the wave is transmitted?
The wave travels through the boundary
What does it mean if the wave is absorbed?
The wave ‘disappears’ because the energy it is carrying is transferred into the material.
