Waves Flashcards
Amplitude (A)
The length from the middle of the wave, to the crest. It is measured in meters (m). Also know as the maximum displacement of a wave, away form the equilibrium.
Displacement (s)
The distance from the equilibrium position until the next wave is transmitted. It is measured in meters (m).
Wavelength (λ)
The distance between identical points in a wave (e.g. between two crests or two troughs). It is measured in meters (m).
Frequency (f)
The number of waves passing through a certain point in one second. It is measured in hertz (Hz) or - the number of vibrations a wave makes each second
Wave speed (v)
How far the wave travels in a certain time. It is measured in meters per second (m/s).
Crest
The highest point of a wave.
Waves
Vibrations/oscillations moving from one place to another, that carry energy.
Transverse wave
A wave motion where the particles in the medium oscillate about their equilibrium perpendicular to the direction of energy. Eg, energy > particles ^. Examples of transverse waves are water waves, light waves and other electromagnetic waves.
Longitudinal waves
The particles move in the same direction as the energy. Eg, energy> particles>. This creates rarefactions and compressions. Examples of longitudinal waves are sound waves.
Trough
The lowest point of a wave
Period (T)
The time taken for a particle in the wave to make one complete vibration cycle. It is measured in seconds
Velocity
It is the distance the wavefront moves per second (ms^-1)
Wave equation
v = fλ.
Ultrasound
Sound wave frequencies above the human hearing range
Infrasound
Sound wave frequencies below the human hearing range