Waves Flashcards
1
Q
What is a wave?
A
- A wave is a transfer of energy from one place to another due to oscillations.
2
Q
What is a transverse wave?
A
- Transverse wave: oscillation of particles is perpendicular to direction of energy transfer.
- particles move up and down*
- Energy transferred from left to right*
3
Q
What is a longitudinal wave?
A
- Longitudinal wave: oscillation of particles is parallel to direction of energy transfer.
- particles move left to right and back*
- Energy is transferred from left to right*
4
Q
What is a mechanical wave?
A
- Mechanical wave:
A wave that requires a medium (eg. particle’s vibrations) to travel through.
5
Q
What is the “peak” on a wave?
A
- Highest point above undisturbed position.
6
Q
What is the “trough” of the wave?
A
- Lowest point below undisturbed position.
7
Q
What is the “amplitude” of a wave?
A
- Maximum displacement of point from undisturbed position, measured in metres.
8
Q
What is the “wavelength” of a wave?
A
- Tranverse: Distance from one point of wave to equivalent point on next, measured in metres.
- Longitudinal: Distance from one compression or rarefaction to another.
9
Q
What is the area of “compression” in a longitudinal wave
A
- Where particles are close together.
10
Q
What is the area of “rarefaction” in a longitudinal wave?
A
- Where particles are spaced out.
11
Q
What is displacement on wave?
A
- Displacement from undisturbed position.
12
Q
What is distance on wave?
A
- The distance of the static image of the wave.
13
Q
Give 4 examples of tranverse waves.
A
- Electromagnetic wave
- Waves on a rope
- Ripples on water
- S-waves
14
Q
Give 3 examples of longitudinal waves.
A
- Waves on slinky (if pushed in direction of energy transfer.)
- Sound
P- waves
15
Q
What is the undisturbed position?
A
- Where the particles aren’t moving and have no effects of the wave.
