3.3.1.2 Waves: Longitudinal and Transverse waves Flashcards
What are transverse waves?
Where the displacement of particles is at right angles to the direction of energy propagation. e.g. em waves
How can transverse waves be drawn?
As graphs of displacement against distance (gives wavelength)
or as graphs of displacement against time (gives period)
What are longitudinal waves?
Where displacement of particles or fields is along the direction of energy propagation. e.g. sound waves.
What are polarised waves?
A wave that oscillates in one direction only (vibrations occur in a single plane)
What types of waves can be polarised?
Transverse waves - provides evidence for the nature of transverse waves
Describe glare
When light is reflected off of some surfaces, it becomes partially polarised.
What does the amount of polarisation experienced by light when bouncing off of surfaces depend on?
The angle of incident light
What can polarisation be used for?
Reduce glare
Improve TV/ radio signals
How does polarisation improve TV signals?
To receive a strong signal, you have to line up the rods on the receiving aerial with the rods on the transmitting aerial. It they aren’t aligned, signal strength will be lower
