5. General Wave Properties Flashcards
Wave
Definition and Source
A disturbance that propagates through space, transferring energy with it but not matter.
The wave source is a vibration or oscillation which can be periodic (regular, repeated).
Wave in a Rope
As the hand moves up and down, a rope wave is formed. The wave moves through the rope, from left (hand) to right (wall).
Kinetic energy is transferred from the moving hand to the rope, eventually to the wall.
As the wave moves through the rope, the rope particles move up and down about their rest positions.
There is no transfer of matter along the rope.
Wave in a Ripple Tank (water)
As the dipper moves up and down, a water wave (ripple) is formed. The water wave moves outwards from the dipper to the edges of the ripple tank.
Kinetic energy is transferred from the dipper to the water, eventually to the edges of the ripple tank.
The water particles move up and down about their rest positions.
Water (matter) is not transferred from the dipper to the edges of the ripple tank.
Transverse Wave
Definition
A transverse wave has a direction of vibration that is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
Longitudinal Wave
Definition
A longitudinal wave has a direction of vibration that is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
Crest & Trough
Definition
A crest is the highest point of a transverse wave.
A trough is the lowest point of a transverse wave.
Amplitude
Definition
The maximum displacement of a point from its rest position
Wavelength (λ)
Definition
The shortest distance between any two points of a wave which are in phase
Period (T)
Definition
The time taken to produce one complete wave
(The time taken by each point on the wave to complete one oscilation)
Frequency (f)
Definition
The number of complete waves produced per unit time
(The number of oscilations completed per unit time)
Wave Speed (v)
Definition
The distance travelled by the wave per unit time
Wavefront
Definition
Wavefront is an imaginary line on a wave that joins all adjacent points that are in phase
How does depth of water affect wavelength and wave speed?
Shallower:
Slower and shorter wavelength
Deeper:
Faster and longer wavelength
