TRANSVERSE PULSES AND WAVES Flashcards
Define a transverse wave.
It is a succession of transverse pulses. A transverse wave is a wave where the movement of the particles of the medium is perpendicular (at a right angle) to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Wavelength
The wavelength of a wave is the distance between any two crests.
Amplitude
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum disturbance or displacement of the medium from the equilibrium (rest) position.
Crests
The top of the wave.
A crest is a point on the wave where the displacement of the medium is at a maximum.
Troughs
A point on the wave is a trough if the displacement of the medium at that point is at a minimum.
The valley of the wave.
Points in phase
Two points are in phase when they are separated by a whole number multiple of complete wavelengths.
If two waves coincide with peaks and troughs matching they are said to be in phase.
Frequency
The frequency is the number of successive crests (or troughs) passing a given point in 1 second.
How do you work out the frequency?
f = 1/T
Period
The period is the time taken for two successive crests (or troughs) to pass a fixed point.
How do you work out the Period?
T = 1/f
Wave speed
Wave speed is the distance a wave travels per unit time.
Quantity: Wave speed (v)
Unit name: metre per second
Unit symbol: m Β· sβ1
How do you work out wave speed?
v = f Γ π
