Waves Flashcards
What is a wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from
one place to another. ( It is made up of a periodic motion. )
What is wave motion?
It is a periodic motion caused by a vibrating source. Particles in the medium vibrate periodically about its equilibrium position. A wave transfers energy in the direction of wave travel. But there is no net transfer of matter in the medium.
Define wave.
A wave transfers energy without transferring matter via periodic vibrations.
Define Amplitude.
Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
Define wavelength.
Wavelength is the shortest distance between any 2 points which are at the same stage of vibration/in phase.
Define wave period.
Period is the time taken for the particles to make one complete oscillation.
Period is the time taken for the wave to travel a distance of one wavelength.
Define wave frequency.
Frequency is the number of oscillations per unit time
Wave frequency formula.
f = 1/t f = number of oscillations/time taken
SI unit for frequency
hertz
Define wave speed.
Distance travelled by the wave per unit time
Formula for wave speed
v = F λ
wave speed = distance travelled / time taken
Define wavefront.
Wavefront is a line on the wave that joins all the points which are at the same stage of vibration
Define transverse wave.
Transverse waves are waves that travel in a direction perpendicular to the direction of vibration.
