waves Flashcards
what are waves?
The transfer of energy from one place to another. but no mass is transfered
how to partials move in waves
they oscillate around fixed positions
what are the two types of waves
longitudinal and transverse
state two examples of each type of wave
longitudinal—(sound and shock waves) transverse—(water waves and light waves)
how do the partials move in transverse waves?
oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of the energy transfer
how to the particles move in longitudinal waves?
oscillations are parallel to the direction of the energy transfer
what is the peak of a wave?
The point on the wave where it has maximum positive displacement
what is the amplitude of a wave?
The maximum displacement from the starting point
what is the frequency of a wave?
The number of wavelengths passing through a point in a second
what is the wavelength of a wave?
the distance between the same point of two waves (peak to peak trough to trough)
what is the trough of a wave?
The point on the wave where it has maximum negative displacement
what is the compression of a wave
where the wave fronts are closest together
what is the rarefaction of a wave?
where the wave fronts are furthest away from each other
what type of wave would have these: wavelength, amplitude, peak, resting position, trough
transverse
what type of wave would have these: wave length, rarefaction, compression
longitudinal
what is the equation for wave speed
wave speed = Frequency x wavelength
what is the wave speed?
the speed at which energy is being transferred
what three things can waves be?
Absorbed, transmitted or reflected
what happens when a wave is absorbed?
transfers energy into the materials energy stores. often transferred to a thermal store leading to heating
what happens if a wave is transmitted?
waves carry on travelling often leads to refraction. can be used in communication
what happens if a wave is reflected?
the wave is sent back away from the second material
what does weather a wave is transmitted, absorbed or reflected depend on?
the wavelength of a wave the properties of materials involved
what does the normal of a wave mean?
when the wave hits the second material in a horizontal line
what causes refraction?
when a wave meets a boundary at an angle
what is refraction?
the process of a wave changing direction
what characteristics are required for a wave to be refracted?
the angle, the speed, density
what happens when a wave meets at the same angle?
it carries on in the same direction
what happens when a wave meets at a different angle?
changes direction refraction
