Wave Behaviour Flashcards
State the equation used to calculate wave speed.
Give appropriate units.
Wave Speed = Frequency x Wavelength
Speed (m/s), Frequency (Hz),
Wavelength (m)
What word is used to describe when a
wave bounces off a surface?
Reflection
What is the normal (in terms of reflection and
refraction)?
Avertical imaginary line which is
perpendicular to the boundary
What occurs when light is reflected off a
boundary?
It bounces off a smooth flat surface so
that the angle of incidence (the angle it
comes in at) is the same as the angle of
reflection (the angle it leaves at)
What is refraction?
Refraction is the change in speed of a wave as it reaches a boundary between two media, usually resulting in a change in direction (if it enters at an angle)
What occurs when light is refracted at a boundary?
● The light changes speed and direction in the new
medium
● If the new medium is more dense, the light will
travel slower and bend towards the normal
● If the new medium is less dense, the light will
travel faster and bend away from the normal
When entering a denser material, light
waves…
…slow down and bend towards the
normal.
When entering a less dense material,
light waves…
…speed up and bend away from the
normal.
How can refraction be measured?
The angle of incidence, i, and angle of
refraction, r, can be measured and
compared. All angles are measured
relative to the normal.
What are the effects of absorption of different
wavelengths of waves in different mediums?
● Some materials behave differently depending on the wavelength ● An example is glass which will transmit visible light, but reflect UV light
How do sound waves travel through a solid?
The particles in the solid vibrate and
transfer kinetic energy through the
material.