Waves Flashcards
Define amplitude
Maximum displacement from equilibrium position (m)
Define period of an oscillation
The time taken for one oscillation (s)
Define displacement
Distance form the equilibrium position in a particular direction; can have a positive or negative value (m)
Define phase difference
The difference between displacement of particles along a wave
Define frequency
The number of waves passing a certain point per unit time (hz)
Define wave speed
The distance travelled by the wave per unit time
What is a longitudinal wave
A wave where the direction of oscillation travels parallel to direction of motion. It is made up of compressions and rarefactions.
What is a transverse wave
Is a wave which it is direction of oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of motion.
What is the equation for wave speed
V=fλ
Equation for frequency
F=1÷Period of oscillation
Define intensity
The radiant power passing through a surface per unit area measured in (Wm⁻²)
Equation for intensity
Intensity = power/area
What is reflection
When the waves bounces back when it hits a boundary. The angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection.
What is refraction
The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. The amount of refraction depends on the refractive index of the material.
What is the equation for refractive index
Speed of light in vacuum/speed of light in material
N=C/V
What is snells law
n₁sinθ₁=n₂sinθ₂
Equation to find the critical angle
SinC=1/n
Where C is the critical angle
What is the wavelength of radio waves
10⁻¹ to 10⁶
What is the wavelength of microwaves
10⁻³to 10⁻¹
What is the wavelength of infrared
7x10⁻⁷ to 10⁻³
What is the wavelength of visible light
4x10⁻⁷ to 7x10⁻⁷
What is the wavelength of ultraviolet
10⁻⁸ to 4x10⁻⁷
What is the wavelength of x-rays
10⁻¹³ to 10⁻⁸
What is the wavelength of gamma rays
10⁻¹⁶ to 10⁻¹⁰