Waves Flashcards
What are two examples of longitudinal waves?
> sound
> longitudinal seismic waves
What does a mechanical wave mean?
> one that needs a medium to travel through
What does an electromagnetic wave mean?
> one that does not require a medium to travel through
In a longitudinal wave, what is the squashed part called?
> a compression
In a longitudinal wave, what is the stretched out part called?
> a rarefaction
The oscillation of a transverse wave is…
Perpendicular to the direction of the wave
How is a transverse wave created?
> by an up and down movement (oscillation)
For a longitudinal wave, the oscillation is…
parallel to the direction of the wave
What are two examples of transverse waves?
> light
> radio
What does the amount of diffraction depend on?
> the length of the wavelength in relation to the size of the gap
> longer the wavelength or smaller the gap, the more the wave spreads out.
How can diffraction be described?
> waves spreading out
What is refraction?
> when a wave changes direction as it enters a different medium
What happens if a wave hits the boundary of a different medium face on?
> it will continue moving in the same direction
What happens if a wave hits a different medium at an angle?
> it will be refracted
What is needed for maximum diffraction to occur?
> the gap needs to be the same size as the wavelength
