waves Flashcards
What is constructive interference?
When two waves are in phase (their crests and troughs align)
This results in a wave of greater amplitude.
What is the term for the part of a longitudinal wave where particles are close together?
Compression
Compression occurs in longitudinal waves.
What is the highest point of a wave called?
Crest
The crest represents the maximum height of the wave.
What is the part of a longitudinal wave where particles are spread apart called?
Rarefaction
Rarefaction is the opposite of compression.
What is refraction in wave properties?
Waves bending due to a change in their velocity as they pass from one medium to another
Refraction occurs when waves enter a different medium at an angle.
What is destructive interference?
When two waves are out of phase (one wave’s crest meets the other’s trough)
This can result in a weaker wave or complete cancellation.
What is an antinode in a standing wave?
Point where maximum displacement occurs due to constructive interference
Antinodes are the points of greatest movement in the wave.
What measures the energy the wave carries?
Amplitude
Higher amplitude means more energy.
What does the period (T) of a wave represent?
The time taken to generate one complete wave
Period is the inverse of frequency.
What is the lowest point of a wave called?
Trough
The trough represents the minimum height of the wave.
What is the frequency (f) of a wave?
Number of waves passing through a given point in one second
Measured in hertz (Hz).
What is the term for the material that carries a wave?
Medium
The medium is where waves travel.
What is reflection in wave properties?
When waves bounce back after striking a barrier
This involves incident and reflected rays.
What part of the wave indicates no disturbance?
Equilibrium position
This is where the medium would be if no wave were passing through.
What occurs during interference of waves?
Two waves interact as they pass through a single medium at the same time
This can lead to constructive or destructive interference.
In which type of wave do particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave?
Longitudinal waves
Examples include sound waves.
What is a node in a standing wave?
Point where there is no movement due to destructive interference
Nodes are stationary points along the wave.
What type of wave does not require a medium?
Electromagnetic waves
Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.
What is diffraction?
Wave travels around an edged corner of a barrier or through an opening
Diffraction allows waves to spread out after passing through narrow openings.
What type of wave involves particles of the medium undergoing circular motion?
Surface waves
Surface waves are a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves.
What is a traveling disturbance that carries energy from one place to another called?
Wave
A wave can carry energy with or without a medium.
What type of wave requires a medium to propagate?
Mechanical wave
Mechanical waves cannot travel through a vacuum.
What is the distance between two successive identical parts of a wave called?
Wavelength
Wavelength is typically measured in meters.
In which type of wave do particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave?
Transverse waves
Examples include waves on a string.
