Waves Flashcards
Longitudinal Wave
A longitudinal wave is one where the particles vibrate along the same direction as the wave.
Transverse Wave
A transverse wave is one where the particles move at right angles (90°) to the direction of travel of the wave.
Frequency
The number of waves per second.
Period
The time taken for one wave to pass a point.
It is also known as the inverse of the frequency.
Crest
The top point (peak) of a wave.
Trough
The bottom point of a wave.
Amplitude
The vertical distance from the axis to the top of the wave (crest) or bottom of the wave (trough).
It is also half the vertical height of the wave.
Wavelength
The horizontal distance from one crest to the next crest, one trough to the next trough or one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave.
Wave Speed
The distance travelled per second.
It is also the frequency multiplied by the wavelength.
Diffraction
The bending of waves through gaps or around obstacles.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
A group of all the types of electromagnetic radiation ordered in terms of their wavelength/frequency.
Refraction
The change in speed of light as it passes from one medium to another (e.g. from air to glass).
Normal
A dashed line that is drawn perpendicular (at 90°) to any surface.
Angle of Incidence
The angle measured between the incident ray and the normal.
Angle of Refraction
The angle measured between the refracted ray and the normal.
