Waves Flashcards
How do longitudinal waves oscillate? Draw a diagram.
In the same direction as the direction in which the wave transfers energy.

How do transverse waves oscillate? Draw a diagram.
Perpendicular to the direction in which energy is transferred by the wave.
Give 3 examples of longitudinal waves.
Sound waves, ultrasound waves and seismic P waves.
Give 3 examples of transverse waves.
EM waves Light (an EM wave in itself) Seismic P waves Water waves
Which label represents the amplitude of the wave?

N
Which label represents the wavelength of the wave?

V, F
Which label represents the time period of the wave?

V, F
What does T represent?

A crest
What does E represent?

A trough
Define amplitude
The maximum displacement of a wave above the equilibrium (the maximum distance from the rest to the crest of a wave)
What is amplitude measured in?
It depends on the type of wave (e.g. water wave = m, sound wave = Pa)
Define wavelength (λ)
The distance between one crest and the next
What is wavelength measured in?
m (metres)
Define time period (T)
The time take for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point
What is time period measured in?
s (seconds)
Define frequency
The number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point per unit time/per second
What is frequency measured in?
Hz (hertz)
What is the relationship between frequency and time period?
f = 1 / T
(frequency (Hz) = 1 / time period (s))
What is the relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength?
v = fλ
(wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m))
Which 2 properties do all waves have in common?
They can all be refracted and reflected
What is a wave?
A oscillating disturbance which transfers energy and information without transferring matter.
What is another name for an oscillation?
A vibration
Define a rarefaction.
A reduction in the density of a wave.
For example: a sound wave moving through air is made up of alternating areas of higher and lower density. The areas of lower density are called rarefactions.
What is the speed at which all EM waves travel? What do we call this speed?
3 x 10^8 m/s
300 000 000 m/s
This is the ‘speed of light’.


