Waves Flashcards
Wave
A continuous disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter
Transverse Wave
Particles vibrate back and forth perpendicular to the direction of the wave
Longitudinal Wave
Particles vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction of the wave
Surface Waves
Combination of transverse and longitudinal wave. Circular motion
Mechanical Wave
Waves that require a maedium to travel through
Medium
The material through which a wave travels
Amplitude
The max distance the particles of a medium move away from their rest positions as a wave passes through a medium
Wavelength
The distance between two corresponding points on adjacent waves
Frequency
The number of complete waves that pass a given point in a certain amound of time
Speed
How far the wave travels in one unit of time (d/t)
Pulse
A disturbance that moved through a medium from one point to another
Absorption of Light
When light transfers energy to matter, it increases the temperature of matter. Classifed on basis of interactions with light
Transparent
Matter that transmits light without scattering it. Can clearly see through it.
Ex. Clear glass, air
Translucent
Matter that transmits light but scatters it as it passes through. Light passes through translucent objects but you cannot see clearly through them because the light is scattered.
Ex. Paper, frosted glass
Opaque
Matter that does not let only light pass through. Matter can be opaque because it absorbs light, reflects light, or a combo of both.
Ex. Window shutters
Reflection
When a wave hits a surface through which it cannot pass, it bounces back.
Ex. Mirror reflection
Regular/specular reflection
If the light rays hit a smooth surface and reflected light makes a clear image.
Diverse Reflection
When light is reflected from a rough surface, the waves of light are reflected in many different directions, so a clear image does not form.
Law of Reflection
The angle of reflection = angle of incidence
Reflection
When a wave moved from on medium into another medium at an angle. It changes speed as it enters the second medium which causes it to bend.
Refraction
The bending of waves due to a change in speed
Diffraction
The bending of a wave around a obstacle or through an opening in an obstacle.