Waves Flashcards
What are the two types of waves
Transverse and longitudinal
What is a transverse wave
A wave for which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
What is a longitudinal wave
A wave which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Give two examples of transverse waves
Electromagnetic waves and seismic s-waves
Give two example of longitudinal waves
Sound waves and seismic p-waves
What are the two parts of a longitudinal wave called
Compressions and rarefactions
What is a waves amplitude
The maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its undisturbed position
What is wavelength
The distance from a point on a wave to the same position on the adjacent wave
Most commonly peak to peak or trough to trough
What is the frequency of a wave
The number of waves that pass a given point each second
What is the unit used for frequency
Hertz, Hz
What is it meant by a frequency of 200 Hz
200 waves pass a given point each second
What is wave speed
The speed at which the wave moves or at which energy is transferred through a medium
What does a wave transfer
Energy
State the equation used to calculate wave speed. Give appropriate units
Wave speed = frequency X wavelength
Speed (m/s), frequency (Hz), wavelength (m)
What word Is used to describe when a wave bounces off a surface
Reflection
