Unit 2 - Wave Properties Flashcards

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1
Q

When are two waves said to be coherent?

A

When they have the same speed, frequency, wavelength & have a constant phase relationship

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2
Q

What is the determining test for a wave?

A

Interference

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3
Q

When does constructive interference occur?

A

When two waves that are in phase meet

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4
Q

When does destructive interference occur?

A

When two waves that are exactly out of phase meet

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5
Q

What happens in constructive interference?

A

Two waves combine producing a larger wave

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6
Q

What happens in destructive interference?

A

Two waves meet & cancel each other out

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7
Q

Where is a maximum created?

A

At points of constructive interference

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8
Q

Where is a minimum created?

A

At points of destructive interference

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9
Q

What is path difference?

A

The difference in distance from one source to a point and the other source to a point

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10
Q

What is the path difference at a maximum?

A

Zero or a whole number of wavelengths

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11
Q

What is the path difference at a minimum?

A

A number of half wavelengths

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12
Q

What equation can be used to calculate path difference at a maximum?

A

Path difference = n X wavelength

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13
Q

What equation can be used to calculate path difference at a minimum?

A

Path difference = ( n + 1/2) X wavelength

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14
Q

What is a diffraction grating?

A

A piece of glass with very fine lines etched onto it

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15
Q

What is the grating equation?

A

m X wavelength = dsinx

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16
Q

What does d represent in the grating equation?

A

The separation of slits on the grating

17
Q

What happens if waves pass through a gap that is narrower than one wavelength?

A

The waves that emerge will have circular wavefronts

18
Q

When are waves said to be in phase?

A

When two points on a wave are vibrating in exactly the same way at the same time