Waves Flashcards

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1
Q

Define transverse waves.

A

Transverse waves are waves where the vibrations are perpendicular to the transfer of energy.

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2
Q

Define longitudinal waves.

A

A longitudinal wave is a wave where the vibration is parallel to the transfer of energy.

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3
Q

How is the plane of polarisation of an electromagnetic wave define?

A

It is the plane in which the electric field oscillates.

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4
Q

What is polarisation?

A

Polarisation the process by which the waves of light or other electromagnetic radiation are restricted to certain directions of vibration.

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5
Q

What is the displacement of a vibrating particle?

A

It’s distance and direction from its equilibrium position.

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6
Q

Define the amplitude of a wave.

A

The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a vibrating particle. For a transverse wave this is the height of a peak or depth of a trough.

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7
Q

Define wavelength.

A

The distance between two crests of a wave.

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8
Q

What is one complete cycle of a wave?

A

This is from maximum displacement to the next occurrence of maximum displacement.

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9
Q

What is the period of a wave?

A

This is the amount of time for one complete wave to pass a fixed point.

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10
Q

Define phase difference between two vibrating particles.

A

The phase difference between two vibrating particles is the fraction of a cycle between the vibrations of the two particles, measured either in degrees or radians, where 1 cycle = 360° = 2π radians. For two points at distance ‘d’ apart along a wave of wavelength ‘λ’, the phase difference in radians = 2πd/λ.

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11
Q

What is the principle of superposition?

A

The principle of superposition states that when two waves meet, the total displacement at a point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements at that point.

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12
Q

Define coherency.

A

Waves are coherent when they have a constant phase relationship.

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13
Q

What causes standing or stationary waves?

A

Two progressive waves in phase moving in opposite directions.

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14
Q

What causes constructive interference?

A

A peak and a peak or a trough and a trough.

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15
Q

What do waves have to be to interfere?

A

In a constant phase relationship.

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