Topic 4: Wave Phenomena Flashcards
Wave motion that requires a limited-moving medium oscillating about an equilibrium point to transfer energy, but DO NOT move matter with them (includes water waves and waves on a cord).
mechanical waves
A single wave bump caused by a disturbance (quick up-and-down motion of hand on rope)
pulse
A wave that has its source from a disturbance that is from a vibration or oscillation (ex. vibrating rock on top of water surface, oscillating hand, or vibrating drum membrane [sound waves]).
continuous/periodic wave
The high points of a wave.
Crests
The low points of a wave.
Troughs
The maximum height of a crest, or depth of a trough relative to the normal (or equilibrium) level.
amplitude, A
Distance between any two successive identical points on a wave.
wavelength, λ
The number of crests-or complete cycles-that pass a given point per unit time.
frequency, ƒ
1/ƒ - the time elapsed between two successive crests passing by the same point in space.
period, T
The velocity at which wave crests (or any other part of the waveform) move; a wave crest travels a distance of one wavelength, λ, in a time equal to one period, T.
wave velocity, v
The particles of a rope vibrating up and down in a direction perpendicular to the motion of the wave itself (ex. wave traveling down a rope)..
transverse wave
The vibration of the particles of the medium along the direct of the wave’s motion; expansion and compression (ex. stretched spring or Slinky & sound waves).
longitudinal wave
An occurrence when transverse (S) waves and longitudinal (P) waves travel through the Earth.
earthquake
The power (energy per unit time) transported across unit area perpendicular to the direction of energy flow.
intensity, I
All the points along the wave forming the wave crest (ex. wave at the seashore) 2D & 3D waves only
wave front
