Wave parameters and behaviours Flashcards
What do all waves do?
Transfer energy
What is a transverse wave?
A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction that the energy travels.
What is a longitudinal wave?
A wave in which the particles vibrate in the same direction as the wave is travelling.
What are examples of transverse waves?
Any electromagnetic wave and water waves.
What is an example of a longitudinal wave?
Sound wave.
What is the name for the highest point of a wave?
The peak (crest).
What is the name of the lowest point of a wave.
The trough.
Give the definition of the amplitude (A) of a wave.
The distance between the zero position (zero disturbance) and the peak or trough of a wave.
Give the definition of the wavelength (𝝺) of a wave.
The wavelength of a wave is the distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave.
Define the frequency of a wave.
The number of waves passing a point each second.
What is the unit of frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
What are the units of wavelength?
Metres (m).
What are the units of amplitude?
Metres (m).
What is the relationship between frequency, number of waves and time.
Define what is meant by the period of a wave.
The time taken for one wave to pass a point.
What is the relationship between the frequency and period of a wave?
What are the 2 relationships used to calculate the speed of a wave?
A wave diagram shows 3 waves over a distance of 18mm
a) What is the wavelength of this wave?
b) What is the amplitude of this wave?
a) 𝝺 = 18 ÷ 3 = 6mm = 0.006m
b) A = 2mm = 0.002m
What is diffraction?
The bending of waves around an object or through an opening.
What wavelength of radio waves would be used in hilly areas and why?
Long wavelengths, as they diffract more.
NB The wavelength remains unchanged in diffraction.
In diffraction what type of gap makes circular waves?
Small gap i.e. a gap smaller than 1 wavelength.
NB The wavelength remains unchanged.
