Waves Flashcards
What is an Absorption Spectrum?
The frequencies at which a certain element absorbs photons at a higher rate as these frequencies correspond to the spacings between energy levels in the element’s atoms.
Define Amplitude
The maximum displacement of a vibrating particle or wave from its equilibrium, measured in metres.
What is the Angle of Incidence?
The angle at which a light ray hits a medium, measured from a Normal line to the surface of the medium.
Define the Angle of Reflection.
The angle at which a light ray reflects off a surface, measured from a Normal line to the surface of the medium.
What is the Angle of Refraction?
The angle at which light rays travel after transferring into a different refractive index material, measured from a normal line to the surface of the medium.
What is an Antinode?
The point on a stationary wave where the incoming and reflected wave are in phase forming a maximum point.
Define Coherence.
Waves with the same frequency and constant phase difference.
What is Constructive Interference?
Interference when the two waves meet in phase, resulting in larger amplitudes.
What is a Converging Lens?
A lens that takes a parallel set of light rays and causes them to meet at a point.
Define Critical Angle.
The angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs.
What does the De Broglie Hypothesis state?
All particles have a wave-like nature and a particle-like nature; the wavelength is inversely proportional to momentum.
What is De-excitation?
The movement of an electron from a high energy level to a lower energy level, causing photons to be released.
Define Destructive Interference.
Interference when the two waves meet antiphase, resulting in a minimum point.
What is Diffraction?
The spreading out of a wave as it passes through a gap or over an edge.
What is Displacement in wave motion?
The distance and direction that a vibrating particle or wave has travelled from its equilibrium position.
What is a Diverging Lens?
A lens that takes a parallel set of light rays and causes them to travel away from each other.
Define Electronvolt.
The kinetic energy gained by one electron that is accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt, equal to 1.6x10^-19 J.
What is an Emission Spectrum?
The frequencies of photons emitted when atoms de-excite, and electrons move from a high energy level to a lower energy level.
What does Excitation refer to in atomic physics?
The movement of an electron from a low energy level to a higher energy level due to energy transfer.
Define Focal Length.
The distance between the optical centre of the lens and the focal point.
What is a Focal Point?
The point where parallel rays of light meet, or appear to diverge from, after passing through the lens.
Define frequency
The number of complete oscillations of a wave per second, measured in Hz
Define Fundamental Frequency.
The lowest possible frequency for an object, where there is only a single antinode.
What is Huygen’s Principle?
Every point on a wavefront can be treated as a point source of a secondary wavelet.
