Waves and Sound Flashcards
Define transverse wave
A transverse wave is a wave where the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy flow.
Define longitudinal wave
A longitudinal wave is a wave where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the energy flow.
Define compression
Compression is the region where particles in a medium are close together; high pressure “compressed”.
Define rare fraction
Rare fraction is the region where particles in a medium are spread apart; low pressure “rarefied”.
Define sound
Sound is a longitudinal wave produced by a rapidly vibrating object/medium, detectable to the human ear.
Define amplitude
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave above/below its equilibrium point.
Define crest
The maximum point of a transverse wave.
Define trough
The minimum point of a transverse wave.
Define wave length
The distance between two similar points in successive, identical cycles of a wave. (eg. crest to crest)
Define phase shift
A shift is an entire wave along the x-axis with respect to another wave. It is represented as a fraction of the wavelength.
Define frequency
Frequency is the number of complete cycles per unit time. It is measured in Hertz.
Define period
Period is the time it takes to complete one cycle and is measure in seconds.
What is a wave length measured in?
It is measured in a lambda.
What are 2 factors that affect wave speed?
Two factors are temperature and linear density. Waves travel fasted in hotter gases than in cooler gases. The speed of a wave on a string depends on the linear density of the string and the force of tension acting on the string.
Define mach number
Mach number is used to describe air speeds of objects in terms of the speed of sound, as a ratio.
