Waves GCSE Flashcards
Longitudinal waves
A wave for which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Transverse waves
A wave for which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
2 examples of transverse waves
- Electromagnetic waves
2. Seismic S-Waves
2 examples of longitudinal waves
- Sound waves
2. Seismic P-Waves
Parts of a longitudinal wave
Compressions and Rarefactions
Amplitude
Maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its undisturbed position
Wavelength
The distance from a point on a wave to the same position on the adjacent wave
Peak to peak, or trough to trough
Frequency
Number of waves that passes a point each second
Unit for Frequency?
Hz
Wave speed
The speed at which the wave moves or at which energy is transferred through a medium
Wave speed equation
Wave Speed = Frequency x Wavelength
m/s = Hz X m
What is reflection
When a wave bounces off a surface
How do waves travel through a solid?
Particles in the solid vibrate and transfer kinetic energy through the material
What is the frequency range of human hearing?
20Hz - 20kHz
What are ultrasound waves?
Waves which have a higher frequency than the upper limit of human hearing (more than 20kHz)
Uses of Ultrasound waves
Medical imaging
Industrial imaging
What type of waves do earthquakes produce?
P waves
S waves
Difference between P and S waves?
- P waves can travel through solids and liquids
- S waves can only travel through solids
What is echo sounding?
A technique used to detect objects in deep water and measure water depth
High frequency sound waves are emitted, reflected and detected
Time difference between emission and detection alongside wave speed are used to CALCULATE DISTANCES
Relationships with waves
Increased frequency = Increased velocity
Increased wavelength + increased velocity
Period is inversey propoertional to frequency
Smaller period, higher frequency, greater velocity
How to measure velocity of ripples
- Stroboscope
- Same frequency as water waves
- Measure distance between fixed ripples
- V = f(landa)
S waves
- Transverse
- Cannot travel through liquids
P waves
- Longitudinal
- Can travel through solid and liquid
