Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

physics > waves > Flashcards

waves Flashcards

(60 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Define wavelength.

A

The distance between the same points on two consecutive waves.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define amplitude.

A

The distance from the equilibrium line to the maximum displacement (crest or trough).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Define frequency.

A

The number of waves that pass a single point per second.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Define a period.

A

The time taken for a whole wave to completely pass a single point.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the equation for velocity?

A

Frequency x wavelength.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the equation for a period?

A

1
——————
Frequency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Increased frequency =

A

Increased velocity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Increased wavelength =

A

Increased velocity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

A period is inversely proportional to…

A

Frequency.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

A smaller period =

A

Higher frequency and greater velocity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are 2 examples of transverse waves?

A

~Light waves
~Electromagnetic waves

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Do transverse waves have peaks and troughs or compressions and rarefactions?

A

Peaks and troughs.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

In transverse waves, vibrations are…

A

At right angles to the direction of travel.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

A

Sound waves.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Do longitudinal waves have peaks and troughs or compressions and rarefactions?

A

Compressions and rarefactions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

In longitudinal waves, vibrations are…

A

In the same direction as the direction of travel.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What must a surface be for waves to reflect off of it?

A

Flat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

The smoother the surface…

A

The stronger the reflected wave.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Why do rough surfaces appear matte and not reflective?

A

As they scatter light in all directions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Angle of incidence =

A

Angle of reflection.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Electrons absorb the light energy, then…

A

Re-emit it as a reflected wave.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

The more transparent a material is…

A

The more light will pass through it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

If the frequency of the light matches the electron’s energy levels…

A

Light will be absorbed by the electrons and won’t be re-emitted.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

If a material appears green…

A

Only green light has been reflected and the rest of the frequencies in visible light have been absorbed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What do sound waves cause when they travel through solids?
Vibrations.
26
Compression forces the eardrum…
Inward.
27
Rarefactions forces the eardrum…
Outward due to pressure.
28
What do small bones in the ear do?
Amplify sound waves.
29
The eardrum and small bones vibrate at…
The same frequency as the sound wave.
30
What happens when hairs attuned to the specific frequency move a lot?
An electrical impulse is released to the brain where the brain interprets this to a sound.
31
What is the normal human hearing range?
20Hz - 20kHz.
32
Hairs attuned to higher frequencies in the cochlea can die or be damaged by…
~Constant loud noise ~Changes in the inner ear ~Smoking, chemotherapy and diabetes
33
Which type of sound can humans not hear?
Ultrasound.
34
What is the opposite of ultrasound?
Infrasound. (seismic waves)
35
What is a seismic wave?
A sound wave with a frequency that is less than 20Hz.
36
What is a P wave?
A longitudinal wave which can pass through solids and liquids.
37
What is an S wave?
A transverse wave that moves slow and can only pass through solids.
38
What do electromagnetic waves not need to move?
Particles.
39
In space all electromagnetic waves have…
The same velocity.
40
Electromagnetic waves can transfer…
Energy from a source to an absorber.
41
What is an example of an energy transfer from a source to an absorber?
A microwave to food.
42
In electromagnetic waves, as wavelength decreases…
Frequency must increase.
43
In electromagnetic waves, as frequency increases…
The energy of the wave increases.
44
If entering a denser material, refraction…
Bends towards the normal.
45
If entering a less dense material, refraction…
Bends away from the normal.
46
Substances will absorb, transmit, refract or reflect certain EM waves depending on…
Wavelength.
47
What are radio waves produced by?
Oscillations in electrical circuits.
48
When radio waves are absorbed, they create…
An alternating current at the same frequency.
49
Why are radio waves used for TV?
As they have a long wavelength and can travel far without losing quality.
50
Why are microwaves used for satellite communication?
As they can penetrate the atmosphere.
51
Why are infrared waves used for cooking food?
As they transfer thermal energy.
52
Why are visible rays used for fibre optics?
As they have the best reflection / scattering in glass.
53
Why are UV rays used in tanning and energy efficient lamps?
They radiate the least amount of heat but more energy.
54
Why are X-ray waves used in medical imaging and treatment?
As they are very high in energy and can penetrate material easily.
55
Concave lenses are thinner…
At the centre.
56
Convex lenses are wider…
At the centre.
57
Concave lenses spread…
Light outwards.
58
Convex lenses focus…
Light inwards.
59
In concave lenses, light appears to have come from…
The focal point.
60
In convex lenses, horizontal rays focus…
Onto the focal point.

physics (7 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions