Waves Flashcards
What is amplitude? (waves)
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its rest position
What is wavelength?
Wavelength is the length of a full cycle of a wave
What is frequency? (waves)
Frequency is the number of waves passing a certain point each second
What is period? (waves)
Period (waves) is the amount of time it takes for a complete wave to pass a point
What are transverse waves?
Transverse waves are oscillations perpendicular to energy transfer
What are the three types of transverse waves?
Three types of transverse waves are water ripples, electromagnetic waves, waves on a string
What are longitudinal waves?
Longitudinal waves are oscillations parallel to the direction of energy transfer
What are two types of longitudinal waves?
Two types of longitudinal waves include sound waves and P-waves
What are diffuse reflections?
Diffuse reflections are when rays on a matte surface scatter in different directions
What are specular reflections?
Specular reflections are when rays reflect in one direction on clear surfaces ie mirrors
What is a refraction?
Refractions are when a wave changes direction
What happens when a wave refracts and slows down?
When a wave refracts and slows down, the wavelength decreases and bends towards normal
What happens when a wave refracts and speeds up?
When a wave refracts and speeds up, the wavelength increases and bends away from normal
What is the order of the Electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, starting from least frequency?
EM spextrum in order of increasing frequency and decreasing wavelength :
radio waves > microwaves > infared > visibile light > UV > x rays > gamma rays
How are radio waves produced?
Radio waves are produced when electrons oscillate in transmitters which produce radio waves, and then the emitted radio waves transfer energy to the receiver where the radio waves are absorbed causing electrons in the receiver to oscillate
What are the uses of radio waves?
Radio waves = tv, radio
What are the uses of microwave radiation?
The uses of microwaves are satellite communications and cooking
What are the uses of infrared?
The uses of infared are electric heating, cooking and infared cameras
What are the uses of visible light?
The uses of visible light are communications through optical fibres
What are the uses of UV waves?
The uses of UV waves are energy efficient lights and suntan beds
What are the dangers of UV rays?
UV rays can prematurely age skin and increase risk of skin cancer
What are the dangers of X-rays and Gamma rays?
X-rays and Gamma ways can cause gene mutation and cancer
What is opaque?
Opaque means it doesn’t transmit light
What is transparent and translucent?
Transparent and translucent means it transmits light
