Unit 4 Flashcards
amplitude
the maximum displacement from an equilibrium position
antinode
in a wave pattern the region of maximum wave motion
beats
series of alternating reinforcements and cancellations produced by the interference of the waves of different frequencies
condensation
a region of compression (high pressure, or density) in a longitudinal wave
constructive interference
the effect produced where the crests or the trough of two waves cross, yielding increased amplitude
crest
the highest part of a wave
criticle angle
the minimum angle of incidence that produces total internal reflection
destructive intreference
the effect produced when the crest of one wave and trough of another wave coincide, yielding decreased amplitude
diffraction
the bending of a wave in a homogeneous medium around obstacles or through a narrow opening
doppler effect
the apparent change in frequency perceived when the source and observer are approaching or receding from each other
frequency
the number of waves (vibrations, revolutions, or cycles) that pass a given point per unit time
incident wave
the wave that strikes a boundary; the original wave
interference
the superposition of two periodic waves, producing regions of constructive and destructive interference
longitudinal wave
wave in which the pulses oscillate parallel to the direction of the wave path (see compression wave)
node
wave in which the pulses oscillate parallel to the direction of the wave path (see compression wave)