waves Flashcards
1
Q
wave
A
vibration that travels through space and emits energy
2
Q
dimensions that wave can travel in
A
- 1D: wave on string
- 2D: wave in pond
- 3D: sound waves
3
Q
types of 1D waves
A
- transverse waves
- longitudinal waves
- water waves
4
Q
transverse waves
A
- particle motion perpendicular to direction of wave motion
- wave side to side, motion up and down
5
Q
longitudinal waves
A
- particle motion is parallel to direction of wave motion
- both wave and particle move side to side
6
Q
water waves
A
- combination of both longitudinal and transverse waves
- wave moves side to side, particles move in circle
7
Q
wavelength
A
- distance between 2 successive points in phase
- meters
8
Q
amplitude
A
- max displacement of particle from rest position
- meters
9
Q
crest/trough
A
- crest: highest point
- trough: lowest point
10
Q
phase
A
particular point on a wave
11
Q
period
A
- time for one full vibration cycle
- T in seconds
12
Q
frequency
A
- number of full cycles per second
- f in Hz
13
Q
principle of superposition
A
- when 2 or more waves interact at same point in material, amplitude is the sum of amplitudes in each wave
- after, two waves continue unaffected
14
Q
constructive vs destructive interference
A
- constructive: when two up crests meet, they produce a supercrest and then pass, creates bigger amplitude
- destructive: when up and down pulse meet, they cancel out and then pass, creates a smaller amplitude
15
Q
standing waves
A
- form of wave interference when traveling waves w same amp and wavelength interfere
- resulting wave is stationary with fixed nodes between vibrating loops
- loops are called antinodes
- example of resonance phenomenon
