Topic 4.4: Wave Characteristics Flashcards

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1
Q

• 4.4.1: Describe a wave pulse and a continuous progressive (travelling) wave

A

o OSCILLATIONS: A repeated back and forth motion.
o CYCLE: One complete oscillation.
o TRAVELLING WAVE: A disturbance moving from a source and transferring energy from one point to another.

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2
Q

• 4.4.3: Describe and give examples of transverse

A

o Transverse Waves: Where the disturbance is at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave.
 Cannot be propagated in gases
 Examples:
• Light waves

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3
Q

4.4.3: Describe and give examples of longitudinal waves

A

o Longitudinal Waves: Where the disturbance is parallel to the direction of travel of the wave.
 Examples:
• Sound waves

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4
Q

Define wavefronts

A

o WAVEFRONT: A line of surface which joins all points which have the same displacement at the same moment (they are all in phase).

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5
Q

Define rays

A

o RAY: A line at right angles to the wavefronts which shows the direction of energy travel of the wave.

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6
Q

Describe crest and trough

A

o CREST AND TROUGH: For a transverse water wave, the maximum and minimum displacements.

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7
Q

Describe compression and rarefraction

A

o COMPRESSION AND RAREFACTION: For a longitudinal wave, points of maximum and minimum density of the medium.

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8
Q

Define displacement

A

o DISPLACEMENT: The distance of the disturbance measured from its equilibrium position.

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9
Q

Define amplitude

A

o AMPLITUDE: The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position

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10
Q

Define frequency

A

o FREQUENCY: The number of oscillations completed in a second (hertz)

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11
Q

Define period

A

o PERIOD: The time taken for an oscillation. f=1/T; T=1/f

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12
Q

Define wavelength

A

o WAVELENGTH: The distance between consecutive points on the wave which are in step (ie in phase)

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13
Q

Define wave speed

A

o WAVE SPEED: The speed of travel of the energy of the wave.

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14
Q

Define intensity

A

o INTENSITY: The rate of flow of energy through unit area perpendicular to the direction of travel of a wave. Unit: Wm-2

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