Waves Flashcards
Define frequency and give its units
The number of waves passing through a point per second
(Hz)
Define wavelength
The distance between two adjacent peaks on a wave
Define amplitude
The maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position
How to find time period of wave using its frequency?
Time period = 1/frequency
What is phase difference and what is it measured in?
How much a particle lags behind another particle. Measured in radians, degrees or fractions of a cycle
What is a longitudinal wave?
A wave in which the oscillations of the particles is parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
There are rarefactions and compressions
What is a transverse wave?
A wave in which the oscillation of the particles are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
How fast do electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum?
3x10^8 m/s
What does a polarising filter do?
Only allows oscillations in one plane
How is polarisation used as evidence of the nature of transverse waves?
Polarisation can only occur if a waves oscillations are perpendicular to its direction of travel
What is a stationary wave?
A wave which transfers no energy and whose positions of maximum and minimum amplitude are constant
What is a node?
A point on a stationary wave where the displacement is 0
What is an antinode?
A point on a stationary with maximum displacement
What are the conditions for a stationary wave to be produced?
*The waves must be of the same frequency, wavelength and amplitude
*They must be travelling in opposite directions
These conditions are often met when a wave is reflected baack onto itself
How are stationary waves produced?
A stationary wave is formed from the superposition of 2 progressive waves, travelling in opposite directions in the same plane, with the same frequency, wavelength and amplitude.
