Waves Flashcards
What are waves?
A disturbance that travels through space carrying energy from one point to another
What are mechanical waves?
Waves that can travel through matter (air, water, earth)
What are electromagnetic waves?
Waves that can travel through a vacuum (nothing)
What are transverse waves?
Disturbance or deformation is PERPENDICULAR to the direction of movement
What are longitudinal waves?
Disturbance or deformation is PARALLEL to the direction of movement
How do you calculate wavelength?
Measure the distance between two crests or troughs
How do you calculate amplitude?
Measure maximum height of crest/trough from equilibrium line
How do you calculate frequency?
f= # of cycles/total time
What is frequency measured in?
Hertz (Hz)
How do you calculate period?
t= total time/# of cycles
