Transverse waves Flashcards
Pulse
Single disturbance that moves through a medium
Wave
A regular repetitive disturbance that consists of a succession of pulses
Transverse pulse
Single disturbance in a medium which oscillates perpendicularly to the direction of the motion of the wave
Longitudinal pulse
Single disturbance in a medium which oscillates parallel to the direction of the motion of the wave
Transverse wave
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction of the motion of the wave
Longitudinal wave
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the motion of the wave
Principle of superposition
States that the algebraic sum of the amplitudes of two pulses that occupy the same space at the same time is equal to the resultant disturbance
Interference
Takes place when two waves pass through the same region of space at the same time resulting in the superposition of waves
Constructive interference
The phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the crest of another pulse to produce a pulse of increased amplitude
Destructive interference
The phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the trough of another pulse to produce a pulse of reduced amplitude
Wavelength
The distance between two successive points on a wave that are in phase
Crest
The point on the wave where the displacement of the medium is at a maximum
Trough
The point on the wave where the displacement of the medium is at a minimum
Points in phase
Points that are separated by a whole number multiple of complete wavelengths
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of a particle of the medium from its equilibrium position
