Waves 1 and 2 Definitions Flashcards
Progressive Wave
A wave (series of oscillations) that move away from the source through a medium
Longitudinal wave
Compressions and Rarefactions (parrallel vibrations to propagation)
Transverse wave
Peaks and troughs (perpendicular vibrations to propagation)
Rarefactions
Low-pressure area in a longitudinal wave
Mechanical wave
A progressive wave which requires the motion of particles (unlike EM)
Energy
Ability to do work
Power
Rate of doing work
Intensity
energy arriving per second per area
Wavelength
Distance between two adjacent in phase oscillators/points
Period
time to complete one cycle/oscillation
Frequency
Number of wave cycles per second
Amplitude
Maximum displacement
Phase difference
Relationship between two points on one or two waves
In phase
Oscillation patterns are identical at all times
Antiphase
Pattern of oscillation is opposite at any point
Reflection
Waves bouncing off a surface
Refraction
Wave changes direction and speed as it travels through a medium
Specular reflection
Flat surface reflection (parallel normals)
Diffuse reflection
Normals are not parallel so rays diverge
Diffraction
Wave spreads out as it enters a gap
Convex lens
Bugle creates converging waves
Concave lens
Bend in diverges rays
TIR
Total Internal Refraction (wave remains inside glass as it propagates)
Dispersion
Separation of white light into a spectrum
EM radiation
Electromagnetic radiation, oscillating electric and magnetic fields
Polarisation
When all oscillations of the field are limited to one plane only
Node
For a stationary wave, a point where the amplitude is always zero
Antinode
the position of maximum displacement in a standing wave system.
