WAVES Flashcards
what two forms can waves take?
Longitudinal and transverse
what is longitudinal waves
waves which, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of travel
what is a transverse wave
a wave which will oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel
what are progressive waves
waves which transfer energy from a source
what is phase difference
two points have exactly the same pattern of oscillation are said to be in phase.
how do you use an oscilloscope to find the frequency of a wave
-displays a voltage-time signal, can measure the from a signal generator, representing displacement over time.
how do you work out the speed of a wave?
v=fλ
calculate intensity
intensity= power/area
power= energy/time
calculate intensity if power spreads out in all directions
power/ 4πr^2
define intensity
that rate at which energy is transferred from one location to another as the wave travels through space.
what is the relationship between intensity and amplitude
I=a^2
because the amplitude of a wave decreases as it moves away from a source.
what is refraction
occurs when a wave moves from one medium to another, when they have different densities. the wave will change speed and maybe direction
define diffraction
is the spreading out of a wave after passing around an obstacle or through a gap
define interference
is the addition of two or more waves (superposition) that results in a new wave pattern
what are properties of em waves
-travel through vacuum
-travel at speed of light in vacuum
-can be polarised
-demonstrate interference