Waves Flashcards
Difference between transverse and longitudinal waves
Transverse- direction of wave makes a right angle with the movement of the source (all electromagnetic waves are transverse)
Longitudinal waves- the direction of same is the same as the movement of the source (sound and pressure waves)
Amplitude
Maximum distance from central from the central point
Period (T)
The time it takes for one complete cycle (one wave length)
Frequency (f)
The number of cycles that pass by per second (measures in 1/seconds or hertz)
Equation for wavespeed
Wave speed = frequency x wavelength
V = f x л
Relationship between frequency and time period
Frequency = 1 / time period
f = 1 / t
The Doppler effect is a change in the observed frequency and wavelength of a wave when its source is moving relative to an observer
If the source is moving away from you, the wavelength decreases and frequency increases.
Law of reflection
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection
Meaning of critical angle
when the angle of incidence is equal to the critical angle, the angle of refraction is 90 degrees
Relationship between critical angle and refractive index
Sin c = 1/n
Frequency range for human hearing is -
20 Hz - 20 000 Hz
that light is part of a continuous electromagnetic spectrum that includes (in order)
radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray and gamma ray radiations
Uses of microwaves
Cooking and satellite transmission
Uses of infrared
Heaters and night vision equipment
Uses of Visible light
Optical fibres and photography
