Waves - Definitions Flashcards
pulse
single disturbance in a medium.
transverse pulse
a pulse in which the particles of the medium move at right angles to the direction of motion of the pulse.
amplitude
the maximum disturbance of a particle from its equilibrium position.
the principal of superposition
the algebraic sum of the amplitudes of two pulses occupying the same space at the same time.
constructive interference
the phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the crest of another to produce a pulse of increased amplitude.
destructive interference
the phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the trough of another, resulting in a pulse of reduced amplitude.
transverse wave
a wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction of motion of the wave.
wavelength
the distance between two successive points in phase.
frequency
the number of wave pulses per second.
period
the time taken for one complete wave pulse.
crest
highest point (peak) of a wave.
trough
lowest point of a wave.
wave speed
the distance travelled by a point on a wave per unit of time.
longitudinal wave
a wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of motion of the wave.
compression
a region of high pressure in a longitudinal wave.
rarefaction
a region of low pressure in a longitudinal wave.
