Waves 4.1.1 Flashcards
Progressive wave
A progressive wave is an oscillation that travels through matter (or vacuum), transferring energy from one place to another
Transverse wave
The oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
The waves have peaks and troughs at the maximum and minimum points of displacement.
Longitudinal wave
The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
They have areas of compression, where particles are closer together, and areas of rarefaction, where particles are more spread out.
Equilibrium
The horizontal line in the middle of the wave.
Displacement
The distance moved from equilibrium for a point on a wave
Amplitude
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
Wavelength
The minimum distance between two points on a wave oscillating
in phase
Period
The time taken to complete one oscillation
The time taken for one complete wavelength to pass a given point
Frequency
The number of complete oscillations passing a given point per second = 1/T
Wave speed
The distance travelled by a wave per unit time
The period of the wave, T
𝑓 = 1/T
The wave equation
v = f x wl
Mechanical wave
Energy is transferred through a medium (i.e. by the oscillations of particles)
Phase
The position of an oscillating particle or field at a given time on a wave cycle, expressed in degrees or radians, where 1 full wave cycle = 360 degrees or 2π radians.
