Waves Flashcards
Give a basic definition of waves.
A vibration that transfers energy from one location to another (without a net movement of particles)
In transverse waves, the vibrations are _______ to the direction of travel.
Perpendicular / at 90°
In longitudinal waves, the vibrations are _______ to the direction of travel.
Parallel
What is the equivalent of a crest in a longitudinal wave?
Compression
What is frequency?
The number of vibrations passing a point per second
What is wavelength?
The distance from crest to crest.
What is amplitude?
The maximum displacement of a wave vibration from its rest position.
What is the formula for wave speed?
V = F x λ
(Wave speed = frequency x wavelength
What is the law of reflection?
Incident ray = Reflected ray
What is refraction?
The change in direction of a wave when it crosses a boundary due to a change in speed
What happens to wave speed when it enters denser, transparent material?
It decreases
What happens to wave speed when waves travel from deep to shallow water?
It drops
What happens when speed drops and wavelength decreases?
The wave bends towards the normal.
