Waves - Physics Flashcards
What are mechanical waves?
Waves that require matter to transfer energy. They cannot travel through a vacuum.
What are the two types of mechanical waves?
Transverse and compression (or longitudinal) waves.
What are transverse waves?
Waves in which the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. They have crests and troughs. Examples of these waves are waves in the ocean.
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves in which the particles vibrate in the same direction as the energy transfer. They have compressions and rarefactions. An example of these waves is sound waves.
Draw a diagram of a transverse wave.
See notes.
Draw a diagram of a longitudinal wave.
See notes.
What are waves?
Waves are transmitters of energy, but not matter. They transfer energy from one point to the next without transferring matter.
What are electromagnetic waves?
Waves that do not require matter to transfer energy. They can travel through a vacuum.
What are the seven types of electromagnetic radiation?
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x rays, gamma rays.
What are radio waves used for?
To communicate over long distances, eg. radio and TV.
What are microwaves used for?
To heat food.
What is infrared radiation used for?
Heat treatment for illnesses.
What is visible light used for?
To see, for photosynthesis.
What is ultraviolet radiation used for?
Needed for the body to produce vitamin D.
What are X-rays used for?
To analyse the composition of complex chemicals, find weaknesses in metals.
