Topic 4: waves Flashcards
what do waves transfer
energy and information NO MATTER
define frequency
the number of waves that pass a fixed point in 1 second
define wavelength
the distance between 2 peaks/troughs
define amplitude
distance from the middle line to a peak/trough
define period
the time it takes to form 1 complete wave
what is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves
longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction/energy of the wave whereas transverse waves have oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction/energy of the wave.
what are the 2 equations for working out wave speed
wave speed(m/s) = frequency(Hz) x wavelength(m) v = f ×λ
and
wave speed(m/s) = distance(m) ÷ time(s) v = x/t
how would you calculate distance from time and wave velocity
distance = tima x speed
state the law of reflection
the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection
define refraction
when light bends
define transmission
to pass through a medium
define absorption
when the wave is absorbed by matter and converted into energy
when a wave is refracted and it slows down it _____ _______ ___ ______
… bends towards the normal
when a wave is refracted and it speeds up it _____ ____ ____ ___ ______
… bends away from the normal
what is sound with frequency > 20,000 Hz
ultrasound
