Waves & EM Spectrum Flashcards
What Is A Transverse Wave?
A transverse wave is one in which the vibration causing the wave is at right angles to the direction of energy transfer.
What Is A Longitudinal Wave?
A longitudinal wave is one in which the vibration causing the wave is parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
What is meant by “areas of compression?”
Areas of compression are areas where the material is pushed together.
What is meant by “areas of rarefaction?”
Areas of rarefaction are areas where the material is pulled apart.
Waves are described by what four terms?
Amplitude (A), Wavelength (λ), Frequency (f) and Period (T)
What is meant by the waves “amplitude?”
The height of the wave measured from the middle. (A)
What is meant by the waves “wavelength?”
The distance from one point on one wave to the equivalent point on the next wave. (λ)
What is meant by the waves “frequency?”
The number of waves produced each second. It is also the number of waves passing a point each second. (f). Frequency is measured in Hz.
What is meant by the waves “period?”
The time taken to produce one wave.
What is the “wave speed?”
The speed at which energy is transferred (or the wave moves) through a medium.
How can you investigate the speed of a wave?
In water, using a ripple tank.
What is the Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum?
A continuous spectrum of all the possible wavelengths of electromagnetic waves.
What do electromagnetic waves do?
They are transverse waves which transfer energy from a source an absorber.
State the waves on the EM Spectrum (7)
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma-rays
As you move across the Em Spectrum, what happens to the frequency, energy and wavelengths?
Frequency increases, energy increases and wavelength decreases.
