Waves Flashcards
What is frequency measured in?
Hertz (Hz)
What is wavelength measured in?
Metres (m)
What is the wave equation?
v = f x lambda Velocity (m/s) = Frequency (Hz) x Wavelength (m)
What is a transverse wave?
-One that looks like a snake. -The oscillations are at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction of travel -Electromagnetic Waves (No medium)
What is a longitudinal wave?
-One that has compressions and rarefactions. -The oscillations go in the same direction as the wave. -Sound
Give some examples of a transverse wave:
-Light -Microwaves -Infrared -Radio -Water waves
Give some examples of a longitudinal wave:
-Sound -Pressure (Shock) Waves
What is wavelength?
The distance between two corresponding points on a wave diagram. E.g. From crest to crest.
What is amplitude?
Amplitude is the length between the node (middle line) and the crest of a wave.
What is a crest and a trough?
Crest - The top of a wave Trough - The bottom of a wave
What do waves do?
Transfer energy, not matter. That medium always returns to its original place.
What is frequency?
The number of wave crests passing a point every second.
What is the speed equation?
Speed = Distance / Time
Waves travelling from low to high density…
Slow down and bend towards the normal
Waves travelling from high to low density…
Speed up and bend away from the normal