Waves, Density and Pressure Flashcards
what are the two types of waves?
tranverse and longitudinal
what are transverse waves?
waves that vibrate or oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
describe energy transfer in a transverse wave.
the energy transfer is in the same direction as the wave motion. they transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium. transverse waves can move in a liquid or a solid but not in a gas. some transverse waves (em waves) can move in a vacuum.
where is the peak on a wave diagram?
the highest above the rest position. it can also be called the crest.
where is the trough on a wave diagram?
the lowest below the rest position.
what are longitudinal waves?
waves where the points along its length vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
describe energy transfer in a longitudinal wave.
the energy transfer is in the same direction as the wave motion. they transfer energy, but not the particles of the medium. they can move in solids, liquids and gases. they cannot move in a vacuum(since there are no particles).
what are the key features of a longitudinal wave?
compressions (where the points are close together) and rarefactions (where the points are spaced apart).
what are examples of longitudinal waves?
sound waves, p-waves, pressure waves caused by repeated movements in a liquid or a gas.
what are examples of transverse waves?
ripples on the surface of water, vibrations in a guitar string, s-waves, em waves(such as radio, light, X- rays e.t.c)
how are longitudinal waves usually drawn?
Longitudinal waves are represented as sets of lines with rarefactions and compressions.
how can wave vibrations be shown for longitudinal and transverse waves?
springs (l) and ropes (t)
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- structure?
transverse waves - peaks and troughs
longitudinal waves- compressions and rarefactions.
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- vibration?
transverse- 90 degrees to the direction of energy transfer
longitudinal- parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- vacuum?
transverse- only electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum
longitudinal- cannot travel in a vacuum.
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- material?
transverse- can move in liquids and solids but not in gases.
longitudinal- can move in gases, liquids and solids.
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- density?
transverse waves- constant density
longitudinal waves- changes in density
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- pressure?
transverse- pressure is constant
longitudinal- changes in pressure
what are the different properties of transverse and longitudinal waves- speed of wave?
transverse- dependant on material it is travelling in.
longitudinal- dependant on material it is travelling in.
what do waves transfer?
energy and information
what are waves described as?
oscillations or vibrations about a fixed point- waves transfer without transferring matter.
what is amplitude?
The distance from the undisturbed position to the peak or trough of a wave. (m)
what is wavelength?
The distance from one point on the wave to the same point on the next wave.
in a transverse wave- wavelength measured from one peak to the next peak
in a longitudinal wave- wavelength measured from centre of one compression to the centre of next.