11.1 Progressive Waves Flashcards
What is a longitudinal wave
A wave in which the oscillations of the medium are parallel to the direction of energy transfer
Give examples of a transverse waves
Electromagnetic waves, waves on the surface of water, s-waves produced in earthquakes
Define the period of a wave
The time taken for one complete wave to pass a fixed point
What is a transverse wave
A wave in which the oscillations of the medium are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer
State the relationship between the frequency and period of a wave
f = 1 / t / frequency = 1 / time
What is a progressive wave
A wave that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter
Define amplitude
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position/midpoint ( it can be positive or negative )
What is a mechanical wave
A wave that can only move through physical substance
State the relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave
V = f x lambda / wave speed = frequency x wavelength
Define frequency
The number of complete waves passing a fixed point per second
What is a progressive wave ( 2nd definition )
A wave in which the peaks and troughs or compressions and rarefactions of the wave move through the medium as energy is transferred
Define the peak of a wave
The maximum positive amplitude of a transverse wave
