Wave Basics Flashcards
Amplitude.
Displacement from the rest position to the crest.
Wavelength.
Length of full cycle of wave.
eg crest to crest.
Frequency.
Number of complete waves passing a certain point per second.
Measured in Hz.
1 Hz =
1 waver per second.
Transverse waves.
Most waves are transverse.
Light and all other EM waves.
Ripple on water.
Waves on strings.
Define transverse waves.
In transverse waves the vibrations are perpendicular at 90’ to the direction of energy transfer of the wave.
Examples of longitudinal waves.
Sound waves and ultrasound.
Shock waves eg seismic waves.
Slinky spring when you push the end.
Define longitudinal waves.
In longitudinal waves the vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer of the wave.
Has rarefractions and compression.
Example of mechanical waves.
Water waves.
Shock waves.
Waves in springs and ropes.
Wave equation.
Wave speed = frequency x wavelength
v = f x lambda.
