Waves/Pulses Flashcards
Wave?
A single disturbance traveling through a medium. A wave transfers energy though a medium without moving the medium permanently.
Transverse Wave?
A continual series of waves in which the vibration of particles in the medium is perpendicular to the direction of motion.
Crest?
The maximum position on a transverse wave.
Trough?
The minimum position on a transverse wave.
Amplitude?
The magnitude of the maximum displacement from the equilibrium or rest position. Usually taken from rest position to either crest or trough.
Oscillation?
When a particle is back in the same position as where it started and has the same motion as when it started.
Period?
The time required to complete one full oscillation.
Frequency and what is it’s S.I. unit?
The number of waves passing a point every second. Hertz (Hz).
How do you identify if any points are in phase?
When they have identical motion and are travelling at the same speed in the same direction. Two adjacent points in phase are also one wavelength apart and most easily measured from one crest/trough to the next crest/trough.
List the properties affecting and not affecting wave speed?
Wave speed is affected by properties of the medium ex: density and tension. Wave speed is however, not effected by properties of the wave, ex: period, frequency, wavelength and amplitude.
Longitudinal Waves?
Are the continuous propagation of disturbances through a medium, in which the particles of the medium oscillate in a direction parallel to the direction of the motion of the wave.
Compression?
A place where the particles in the medium are packed closely together. In sound waves, compressions are regions of high pressure.
Rarefaction?
A place where the particles in the medium are stretched far apart. In sound waves, rarefactions are regions of low pressure.
How are sound waves made?
They are created by vibrations in a given medium in the direction of the propagation. These vibrations cause regular variation in pressure in the given medium.
Equilibrium (rest) position?
The position of a particle when no wave is passing through it.