Waves I Flashcards
what are waves
an oscillation that transfers energy and NOT matter
oscillations
the movement of particles
give 2 examples of energy transfer mechanisms
waves and force
what do waves transfer
energy
what don’t waves transfer
matter
give an example of a mechanical wave
longitudinal wave
what is the name of the matter needed for mechanical waves to travel through
a medium
why can’t sound travel through space (3)
- space is a vacuum so it has no matter
- sound waves are mechanical and need a medium
- since there is no medium in space for sound waves to travel through, there is no sound in space
what is space
a vacuum
what is a vacuum
a place that has no matter
describe a longitudinal wave
- areas of compressions and rarefactions
- compressions can be represented by lines drawn closely together
- rarefactions can be represented by lines drawn spread far apart
give an example of a longitudinal wave
sound waves
what are the oscillations like in a longitudinal wave
parallel to the direction of propagation
what is wave frequency
number of complete oscillations per second
what is wave amplitude
distance between the crest and fixed position
complete:
amplitude is the maximum__________.
displacement
what is wavelength
distance from crest to crest or trough to trough
what is the unit of measurement for frequency
Hertz (Hz)
what does it mean if the frequency is 10 Hz
there are 10 complete oscillations per second
what is the equation linking work done, change in height, force and gravitational field strength
work done = change in height x force x gravitational field
what is pitch
pitch is the sound given off by the wave due to the frequency (Hz per second)
