Oscillations and waves

Question 1

amplitude

Answer 1

the maximum distance moved from the rest point

Question 2

frequency

Answer 2

number of cycles in 1s (Hz)

Question 3

phase difference

Answer 3

the amount by which two waves are out of step with each other (0-2π)

Question 4

wavelength

Answer 4

the length for one complete cycle (m)

Question 5

wave speed

Answer 5

the distance traveled by a wave in 1s (ms^-1)

time for 1 wavelength

Question 6

intensity

Answer 6

the energy per unit area per unit time (Wm^-2)

amplitude^2

Question 7

SHM

Answer 7

the motion when acceleration has a magnitude proportional to displacement from a fixed point with a direction to a fixed point
a=-ω^2(x)

Question 8

progressive waves

Answer 8

waves which travel whilst transferring energy. moving equivalent of a standing wave

Question 9

transverse wave

Answer 9

vibrations at right angles to direction

Question 10

longitudinal wave

Answer 10

vibrations parallel to direction

Question 11

natural frequency

Answer 11

characteristic frequency with which a system oscillates about its equilibrium

Question 12

damped oscillations

Answer 12

oscillations that eventually die due to dissipation of energy by friction, viscosity or other means

Question 13

resonance

Answer 13

a condition when a vibrating system responds with maximum amplitude to an external force

Question 14

critical damped

Answer 14

when the oscillations stop the soonest

Question 15

Hooke’s law

Answer 15

F=kx

Energy stored=.5kx^2

Question 16

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 16

Gamma 10^-15
X-Ray 10^-12
UV 10^-9
Visible 10^-7
Infra Red 10^-5
Microwaves 10^-2
Radio 10

Question 17

Ray

Answer 17

Direction of the wave

Question 18

Wavefront

Answer 18

Joins points of same phase

Question 19

Principle of superposition

Answer 19

When two waves meet, total displacement at at any point vector sum of individual displacements

Question 20

Path difference

Answer 20

Difference in distance from wave source to observer