Transverse waves Flashcards
Wave definition
A continuous disturbance consisting of a train of pulses.
Transverse waves
A wave where the movement of the particles of the medium is perpendicular to the propagation of the wave
Crest
A point on the wave where the displacement of the medium is at the maximum.
Trough
The lowest point on a wave.
Amplitude
Maximum displacement of the medium from the equilibrium position.
Units: metre
Wavelength
The distance between 2 successive points on a wave which are in phase.
Measures in metres
Symbol - λ
Period
the time taken for one complete wave to pass a point
(2 successive crests or other points in phase)
Symbol: T
Frequency
The number of complete waves that pass a point in 1 second
Symbol: f
Measured in Hertz (Hz)
How to work out frequency:
f = 1 / T
OR
f = no of vibrations/time
How to work out Period:
T = 1 / f
In phase definition
Two points on a wave are in phase when they move simultaneously with the same speed in the same direction.
Wave speed
The distance a wave travels per unit time.
Symbol: V
Unit name: m.s-1
Wave equation:
V = f x λ
