Waves Flashcards
Define Wave
A wave is a periodic disturbance in a material (medium) or space.
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Characteristics of a Wave
A wave moving through a medium causes each particle it interacts with to vibrate, or oscillate about a fixed position. This transfers energy from the source of the wave.
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Define Progessive Waves
Waves that move outwards from their source are called progressive (travelling) waves.
What are the Two Types of Progressive Waves?
The two types of progressive wave are transverse and longitudinal.
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Describe Transverse Waves
In transverse waves, each particle oscillates perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave. There is no horizontal movement.
e.g. In waves in water, the water moves up and down about a point (by the same distance it moves up, it moves down about this point)
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Describe Longitudinal Waves
In longitudinal waves, each particle oscillates parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave. There is no vertical movement.
e.g. If one end of a slinky is moved back and forward consistently, the compression and rarefaction of the slinky appreas to move forward down the slinky, however the coils return to their initial position.
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Define Amplitude (in the context of waves)
The change in a wave in a single period
The distance the wave reaches from it origin
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Define Wavelength (in the context of waves)
The distance between successive crests (peaks) of a wave
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Define Crest and Trough (in the context of waves)
The respective peak and bottom of a wavelength
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Define the Period (in the context of waves)
The time for a wave to repeat itself
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Define Rest (in the context of waves)
The equilibrium position of a wave
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Define Frequency (in the context of waves)
The frequency is the number of complete cycles per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), where
1Hz = 1 complete wave per second.
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State (in mathematical terms) the Relationship between Wave Speed, Wavelength, and Frequency
Wave Speed = Wavelength * Frequency
ms^-1 meters hertz
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Likely given in equation packet
Describe Reflection (in the context of waves)
When waves hit a barrier or boundary that they cannot pass through, they are reflected.
When reflected, waves undergo a phase change of 180°, or π radians.
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Describe Refraction (in the context of waves)
Refraction is the bending of waves as it passes from one medium to another
e.g. when a straw is partially submerged in a clear glas of water, it looks like it bends at the point where it enters the water, due to the light being refracted
Not in Waves Slide, but in Topics List
Describe Diffraction (in the context of waves)
Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as they pass through a gap or around objects
Not in Waves Slide, but in Topics List
Look up Wave Diffraction Physics for diagrams
Define Sound Waves
A Vibration that travels through a medium like air or water
Can be longitudinal, mechanical and/or pressure wave
Not in Waves Slide, but in Topics List
How do we percieve sound waves?
Volume (loud, quiet) is the amplitude
Pitch is the frequency (high pitch, high frequency)
Not in Waves Slide, possibly in Topics List
Define the Electromagnetic Spectrum
The full range of electromagnetic radiation organized by frequency or wavelength
This includes radio, micro, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, and x ray radiation
Partially mentioned in Slide 8 Waves, but in Topics List
produced by the acceleration of charged particles, and, unlike mechanical waves, can transmit energy through a vacuum. They are always transverse waves.
