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Physics > Waves > Flashcards

Waves Flashcards

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1
Q

Wave speed

A 
speed = frequency x wavelength
c = fλ
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2
Q

Period

A

f = 1/T

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3
Q

First Harmonic

A

f = 1/2L x sqrt T/μ

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4
Q

Fringe spacing

A

w = λD/s

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5
Q

Diffraction grating

A

d sinθ = nλ

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6
Q

Law of refraction (snells law)

A

N₁ sinθ₁ = N₂ sinθ₂

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7
Q

Critical angle

A

sinθ꜀ = N₂/N₁ as long as N₁ > N₂

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8
Q

Define phase difference

A

How much a waves lags behind another wave

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9
Q

What is a progressive wave?

A

A wave that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter

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10
Q

What is the equation for phase difference in radians

A

2πd/λ

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11
Q

What is the phase difference between constructive waves

A

2π

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12
Q

What is the phase difference between destructive waves

A

π

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13
Q

What is a longitudinal wave?

A

A wave where oscillation of the particles is parallel to the direction of the wave

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14
Q

What is a transverse wave?

A

A wave where the oscillation of the particles is perpendicular to the direction of the wave

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15
Q

What is plane polarisation?

A

A method of allowing only transverse waves orientated in the same direction

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16
Q

What is a standing wave?

A

A wave that is the result of the superposition of two waves with the same amplitude, frequency and speed travelling in opposite directions

17
Q

Define the principle of superposition

A

When two or more coherent waves meet, the total displacement at a point is the sum of displacements of each wave at that point. Waves superpose upon each other by interfering and either produce constructive or destructive interference

18
Q

Define total internal reflection

A

When a ray of light reaches a boundary with a medium that ahs a lower refractive index and is completely reflected. The angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle

19
Q

Define the term refractive index

A

The ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to its velocity in a medium

20
Q

Define absorption (optical fibres)

A

Where part of the signals energy is absorbed by the fibre which reduces the amplitude of the signal

21
Q

Define modal dispersion

A

Light rays enter the fibre at different angles and therefore take different paths. The rays take a different amount of time to travel through the fibre

22
Q

Define pulse broadening

A

When the pulses of light spread out as thy travel which can cause two consecutive pulses to overlap

23
Q

What two conditions are needed for total internal reflection?

A

The medium has to have a higher RI

The critical angle has to be exceeded

Physics (17 decks)

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