Wave characteristics and period motion Flashcards
Define wavelength.
the distance from crest to crest of a transverse wave
Define wave frequency.
the number of cycles per second
Define velocity of a wave.
the velocity of propagation of the disturbance that forms the wave through the medium
Define amplitude.
the maximum displacement of a particle in one direction from its equilibrium point
Define intensity.
the square of the amplitude
Define constructive interference.
when the aves add to a larger resultant wave than either original.
Define destructive interference.
when the waves add to a smaller resultant wave than either original.
Define beat frequency.
the difference in frequency of two waves creates a new frequency.
What is the equation for wave velocity?
Velocity = frequency x wavelength
v = λ f
What is the phase of a particle under vibration?
its displacement at a time of origin (t=0)
What is simple harmonic motion?
waves are disturbances in a medium where each particle vibrates about an equilibrium point
What are nodes?
points where there is no particle displacement (similar to points of maximal destructive interference)
What are antinodes?
points that undergo maximal particle displacement (similar to points of maximal constructive interference)
What is the fundamental frequency?
the lowest frequency otherwise known as the first harmonic.
What is the second harmonic?
the first overtone.
