Waves Flashcards
What does frequency mean (waves)
the number of waves produced by a source each second
Wavelength definition
the distance between a point on one wave and the same point on the next wave
Amplitude definition (wave)
The amplitude of a wave is the distance from the centre line to the top of a crest or to the bottom of a trough
Period definition (waves)
The time it takes for two successive crests (one wavelength) to pass a specified point
Wave velocity definition
the distance travelled by a wave per unit time
Wavefront definition
a surface over which the phase of the wave is constant
What is a longitudinal wave
a surface over which the phase of the wave is constant
What is a transverse wave?
transverse wave is a wave that oscillates perpendicularly to the direction of the wave’s advance.
Examples of a longitudinal wave
Sound waves in air.
The primary waves of an earthquake
Ultrasound.
Examples of a transverse wave
Light waves
All electro magnetic waves
microwaves, X-rays, radio waves
How to measure sound in air
Speed = distance / time
How to measure the velocity ripples on a water surface
wave speed = frequency × wavelength.
Slow mo speed of video
Multiply back to original speed after
Calculate depth or distance from time and wave velocity
D = v t ; depth (or distance) is the speed of sound in water multiplied by the interval between emitting the sound and receiving the echo from the ocean bottom.
Describe the effects of:
Reflection
Reflection occurs when a wave hits boundary between two media where the wave speeds differ, but the wave stays in the original medium instead of passing into the second medium.
Describe the effect of:
Refraction
When light travels from air into water, it slows down, causing it to change direction slightly
