1. Progressive Waves Flashcards
What is a Progressive Wave
A Progressive Wave carries energy from one place to another without transferring any material.
How is a wave formed?
A wave is formed by something making particles or fields oscillate at a source. With these oscillations passing through the medium as the wave travels, carrying energy with it.
How can you tell if an electromagnetic wave carries energy?
Things heat up
How can you tell if an X-ray or Gamma ray carries energy?
They knock electrons out of their orbits causing ionisation.
How can you tell if a sound wave transfers energy?
Sound waves which carry energy will have larger oscillations and cause more particles to vibrate
What is reflection?
Reflection is where a wave is bounced back when it hits a boundary
What is Refraction?
Refraction is where the wave changes direction as it enters a different medium. This change in direction is a result of the wave slowing down or speeding up
What is Diffraction?
Diffraction is where the wave spreads out as it passes through a gap or round an obstacle.
What are the ways that you measure waves?
Displacement, Amplitude, Wavelength, Period, Frequency, Phase and Phase Difference
What is a waves Displacement?
A Waves Displacement is how far a point on the wave has moved from its undisturbed position. It is measured in metres.
What is a waves Amplitude?
A Waves Amplitude is the maximum magnitude of the displacement, i.e. the distance from the undisturbed position to the crest or trough of the wave.
What is a waves Wavelength?
A Waves wavelength is the length of one who wave oscillation or wave cycle, i.e. the distance between two crests of a wave.
What is a waves Period?
The time taken for one who wave cycle i.e. the time it takes a buoy to go from it’s highest point, back to it’s highest point.
What is a waves Frequency?
The number of whole wave cycles (oscillations) per second passing a given point.
What is a waves Phase?
A measurement of the position of a certain point along the wave cycle.
