Topic 5 Flashcards
What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?
Mechanical waves require a medium through which to travel whereas electromagnetic waves do not.
Definition: Amplitude
The maximum displacement of particles from their undisturbed position.
Definition: (Time) Period
The time for one complete cycle or oscillation of the wave.
Definition: Wavelength
The distance between corresponding points on successive cycles of the wave.
Definition: Frequency
The number of cycles of the wave passing through a point in the medium in one second. (Hz)
Equation: Frequency
f = 1/ T
f = frequency (Hz)
T = ‘time’ period (s)
Equation: Wavespeed *
v = fλ
v = wavespeed (ms-1)
f = frequency (Hz)
λ = wavelength (m)
Definition: Longitudinal waves
The direction of oscillation is parallel to the direction of travel of wave energy, due to a series of compressions and rarefactions.
Definition: Transverse wave
The direction of oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of travel of wave energy.
What is an example of a longitudinal wave?
Sound
What is an example of a transverse wave?
Ripples in water
Definition: Principle of superposition
When two or more waves meet, the total displacement of the standing wave is the sum of the individual displacements.
How is a standing wave formed?
When two coherent waves interfere with each other and their displacements add together to form a standing wave.
What does the fundamental node look like?
Definition: Wavefront
A line joining all points in a medium where the waves are in phase.