Topic 6 - Waves Fundamentals Flashcards
What is a wave?
An oscillation that transfers energy without transferring any matter, it makes the particles of the substance that it’s travelling through oscillate
Define a transverse wave
They oscillate at 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the direction of energy transfer of the wave (the direction that they travel in)
Define a longitudinal wave
The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer of the wave (the direction they travel)
What is an area of rarefaction in LW?
Where the particles are spread out
What is an area of compression in LW?
Where the particles are bunched together
Give 3 examples of transverse waves
• light waves (all EM waves)
• ripples on the surface of water
• seismic S-waves
Give 3 examples of longitudinal waves
• sound waves
• ultrasound waves
• seismic P-waves
What are the two axis labeled on a wave diagram? (TW)
Y= displacement
X= distance or time (also the rest position)
Name and define the parts of a wave diagram (TW)
Peaks - maximum positive displacement
Troughs - maximum negative displacement
What is amplitude? (TW)
The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed (rest) position
What is wavelength?
The distance between the same point on two adjacent waves (on longitudinal waves it is the distance between two centres of two adjacent compressions)
What is frequency?
It is the number of complete waves passing a certain point per second, it is measured in hertz (Hz)
What is the equation for frequency?
Frequency = 1/period
What is the period of a wave?
The amount of time it takes for a full cycle of the wave to be completed
Define wave speed
The speed at which energy is being transferred (the speed the wave is moving at)
What is the equation for wave speed
Wave speed = wavelength x frequency
