3. Waves Flashcards Preview

IGCSE Edexcel physics > 3. Waves > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3. Waves Deck (23)
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1
Q

What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?

A

Transverse - vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave’s energy

Longitudinal -vibrations are parallel to the direction of the wave’s energy

2
Q

What is the amplitude of a wave?

A

The maximum movement of particles from their resting position

3
Q

What do waves do?

A

Waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter

4
Q

What is the relationship between the speed, frequency and wavelength of a wave?

A

Wave speed = frequency x wavelength

5
Q

What is refraction?

A

The change in direction of a wave due to a change in speed as it passes from one medium to another

6
Q

What is reflection?

A

When waves bounce off when they hit an obstacle

7
Q

What is the law of reflection?

A

Angle of incidence = angle of reflection

8
Q

What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum, longest to shortest wavelength?

A

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays

9
Q

Which colour has the longest wavelength?

A

Red

10
Q

What are the uses of radio waves?

A

Broadcasting and communications

11
Q

What are the uses of microwaves?

A

Cooking and satellite transmissions

12
Q

What are the uses of infrared?

A

Heaters and night vision equipment

13
Q

What are the uses of visible light?

A

Optical fibres and photography

14
Q

What are the uses of ultraviolet?

A

Fluorescent lamps

15
Q

What are the uses of x-rays?

A

Observing the internal structure of objects and materials

16
Q

What are gamma rays used for?

A

Sterilising food and medical equipment

17
Q

What are the dangers of microwaves?

A

Internal heating of body tissue

18
Q

What are the dangers of infrared?

A

Skin burns

19
Q

What are the dangers of ultraviolet?

A

Damage to surface cells and blindness

20
Q

What are the dangers of gamma rays?

A

Cancer, cell mutation

21
Q

What type of waves are light waves?

A

Transverse waves

22
Q

What is the relationship between refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction?

A

n = sin i / sin r

23
Q

What type of wave are sound waves?

A

Longitudinal waves