Wave Motion Flashcards
Define a progressive wave.
A wave which results in a net transfer of energy from the source of disturbance, along the direction of propagation of the wave.
Define a transverse wave.
A wave in which the oscillations of the particles are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.
Define a longitudinal wave.
A wave in which the points of disturbance oscillate about their equilibrium position along the direction of wave travel or energy propagation.
Define the wavelength of a wave.
Distance between any two successive particles in phase (for progressive waves).
Define phase difference.
A measure of how much 2 waves or 2 particles within the same waves are out of step with each other.
Define polarisation.
Polarisation is a phenomenon whereby vibrations in a transverse wave are restricted to only one direction in the plane normal to the direction of energy transfer.
Define intensity.
The intensity of a wave is the rate of flow energy per unit area, perpendicular to the direction of propagation
What is the relationship between intensity, distance, and amplitude?
I α A^2 α 1/r^2
A α 1/r
What is the wavelength of gamma-rays?
gamma-rays: < 10-12 m
What is the wavelength of x-rays?
x-rays: 1 nm - 1 pm
What is the wavelength of visible light waves?
visible: 750 nm - 400 nm
What is the wavelength of ultraviolet waves?
ultraviolet: 400 nm - 1 nm
What is the wavelength of infrared waves?
infrared: 25 μm - 2.5 μm
What is the wavelength of microwaves?
microwaves: 1 mm - 25 μm
What is the wavelength of radiowaves?
radio waves: > 1 mm
