Topic 4-Waves Flashcards
What is a transverse wave?
Particles travel perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Sea waves.
What is a longitudinal wave?
Particles travel back and forth, parallel to the direction of the wave. Sound wave.
Are electromagnetic waves transverse or longitudinal?
Transverse and do not need a medium to travel through.
What is the frequency of a wave?
Number of waves that pas sa point each second.
What is the period of a wave?
The time it takes for one wave to pass a givev point.
What is the amplitude?
Distance from middle to top/bottom of a wave.
What is the crest?
Top of the wave.
What is the trough?
Bottom of the wave.
What are compressions and rarefactions?
Compressions are regions of high pressure due to particles being close together. Rarefactions are regions of low pressure due to particles being spread further apart.
What two equations tell us the wave period?
What is the triangle that linls velocity, frequency and wavelength?
Explain the core practical on investigating waves.
What is refraction?
The bending or change in direction of light rays when it moves from one medium to another.
What is the interface?
The boundary of the object.
What is the normal?
Line at a right angle to the interface.