Waves Flashcards
What is Phase difference?
the fraction of a cycle (measured in degrees or radians) between the oscillations of two particles
What is Path difference?
the difference in the distances travelled by two waves from coherent sources at a particular point
Principle of superposition (Waves)
when two or more waves meet, the resultant displacement is equal to the sum of the displacements of each wave
Interference
when two waves superpose at a point and there is a change in overall displacement
Displacement
distance moved from equilibrium of a point on a wave
Amplitude
maximum displacement
Wavelength
the distance between two adjacent peaks ‘or’ troughs
Period
the time taken for one complete oscillation of a particle
Frequency
number of wavelengths passing a point per unit time
Plane polarized wave
a transverse wave that vibrates in one plane only
Node
A point on a stationary wave where the amplitude is always zero
Antinode
A point where the amplitude of the standing wave takes the maximum possible value
Coherence
Same frequency and constant phase difference
Monochromatic
Same wavelength
What are the condition required for a stationary wave to form?
Two waves travelling/propagating in opposite directions superpose with the same frequency and similar amplitudes