The Nature Of Waves Flashcards
What is a wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one location to another without the permanent transfer of matter.
Differentiate between mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through (e.g., sound waves), while electromagnetic waves can propagate through a vacuum (e.g., light).
Define wavelength.
Wavelength is the distance between successive crests (or troughs) of a wave.
What is frequency?
Frequency is the number of wave cycles that pass a given point per unit time, measured in Hertz (Hz).
How is the speed of a wave determined?
Wave speed is the product of frequency and wavelength: v = fλ.
What is amplitude in the context of waves?
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.
Define the period of a wave.
The period is the time required for one complete cycle of the wave, and it is the inverse of frequency.
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to it.
How is energy transmitted in a wave?
Energy is transferred through the oscillation of particles (in mechanical waves) or the electromagnetic field (in light), without net movement of the medium.
What is meant by the phase of a wave?
Phase describes the position of a point within one wave cycle, often measured in degrees or radians.
Define constructive interference.
Constructive interference occurs when waves in phase combine to produce a wave of greater amplitude.
Define destructive interference.
Destructive interference happens when waves out of phase combine to reduce the overall amplitude.
