Topic 5 - Waves Flashcards
What is the definition for Oscillation?
A repeated movement about a central position (eg up and down or back and forth)
What is the definition for Frequency?
The number of waves passing a point per second (measured in Hertz, Hz)
What is the definition for Wave speed?
The speed at which the wave is travelling (measured in m/s)
What is the definition for Longitudinal?
A wave in which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
What is the definition for Transverse?
A wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
What is the definition for Compression?
The section of a longitudinal wave in which the matter has bunched together
What is the definition for Amplitude?
The height of a wave peak, measured from the central point of the oscillation
What is the definition for Period?
The time it takes for one complete wave to pass a point
What is the definition for Wavelength?
The distance between two successive peaks or troughs (measured in metres)
What is the definition for Rarefaction?
The section of a longitudinal wave in which the matter has spread apart
What are the 2 types of waves? (2)
Longitudinal and transverse
Describe what a transverse wave is?
the particles oscillate at 90o to the direction of energy transfer (the direction the wave energy travels in)
Describe what a longitudinal wave is?
the particles oscillate forwards and backwards parallel to the direction of energy transfer (direction of propagation of wave energy).
Give an example of 2 transverse wave? (2)
- water waves
- light
Give an example of a longitudinal wave?
- sound waves
What is the equation for wave speed? (give units)
Velocity v (m/s) = frequency f (Hz) x wavelength λ (m)
What are the sources of Radio waves?
Broadcasting and communications
What are the sources of Microwaves?
Cooking and satellites transmitters