waves - properties of waves Flashcards
what is the amplitude?
the maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its un disturbed position.
it is the furthest point the wave vibrates from this un disturbed position
what is the undisturbed position?
in a transverse wave it is through the middle
what are the three properties of waves?
frequency, period and wave length
what is the wavelength?
the distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave
what is the wavelength symbol?
λ
what is the wavelength on a longitudinal wave?
the point from one compression to the next compression or rarefraction to rarefraction
what is the wavelength on transverse waves?
from one point on the top of the wave to the next top of a wave
( same for middle or bottom)
what is frequency?
the number of waves passing a point each second
what is frequency measured in?
Hertz
1 Hz = per second
how do you work out frequency?
count number of waves given
what is period?
the time for one wave to pass a point (in seconds)
how do you work out period?
1 / frequency (Hz)
