2.5 wave properties Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Diffraction
Waves spread out when passing through a gap.
What is Wavelength
Distance between consecutive wave peaks.
What is Gap Width
Width of the opening through which waves pass.
What is Constructive Interference
Waves in phase combine for increased amplitude.
What is Destructive Interference
Waves in anti-phase cancel each other out.
What is the Principle of Superposition
Resultant wave displacement is sum of individual displacements.
What is Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
Demonstrates light’s wave behavior via interference patterns.
What is Path Difference
Difference in lengths traveled by two waves.
What is Phase Difference
Difference in phase between two waves at a point.
What is Integer Multiple of Wavelength
Condition for constructive interference in wave interactions.
What is a Diffraction Grating
Device that spreads light into distinct patterns.
What are Coherent Sources
Sources with constant phase difference and single wavelength.
What is Monochromatic Light
Light consisting of a single wavelength.
What are Stationary Waves
Waves formed by superposition of equal frequency waves.
What are Nodes
Points of no movement in stationary waves.
What are Anti-nodes
Points of maximum oscillation in stationary waves.
What is Inter-nodal Distance
Distance between adjacent nodes in stationary waves.
What is Sharpness of Pattern
Clarity of interference pattern in diffraction experiments.
What is Amplitude
Height of the wave from its rest position.
What is Frequency
Number of wave cycles passing a point per second.
What are Wave Fronts
Surfaces of constant phase in wave propagation.
What is Light Behavior
Light exhibits both wave and particle characteristics.
What is Oscillation Direction
Direction in which wave particles move during propagation.
