Waves and EM spectrum Flashcards
what does wavelength mean
distance from one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave
amplitude meaning
the maximum disturbance from its rest (equilibrium) position
frequency meaning
number of waves passing a point / produced per second
period meaning
time taken to produce 1 complete wave
transverse meaning
vibration causing the wave is at right angles (perpendicular) to the direction of energy transfer
longitudinal meaning
vibration causing the wave is parallel to the direction of energy transfer
reflection meaning
waves bounce off the surface
refraction meaning
waves changes direction at boundary
transmission meaning
passes through the object
absorption meaning
passes into but not out of the object, transfers energy and heats up the object
wave speed equation
wave speed = frequency x wavelength
wave period equation
wave period = 1 divided by frequency
speed equation
speeds = distance divided by time
when waves travel through different media the frequency stays what?
constant
refract away from the normal =
waves speed up
