P11. Wave Properties Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a wave?
- A wave transfers energy from one place to another without the transfer of matter.
- You can also use waves to transfer information (mobile phone, radio)
What are mechanical waves?
Vibrations that pass through a medium (a substance).
What are examples of mechanical waves?
- Sound waves
- Water waves
- Waves on springs and ropes
- Seismic waves produced by earthquakes
What is a Electro Magnetic wave?
EM waves can travel through a vacuum at the speed of 3 x10^8. No medium is required.
What are examples of Electromagnetic waves?
- Light waves
- Radio waves
- Microwaves
What are Transverse waves?
The direction of oscillation is perpendicular (90°) to the direction of energy transfer / motion of the wave.
What are all EM waves an example of?
Transverse waves
What are longitudinal waves?
The direction if oscillation is parallel to the direction of energy transfer or motion of the wave.
What are mechanical waves an example of?
Transverse & Longitudinal waves
What are sound waves?
Sound waves travel as PARTICLES in the air that move from SIDE TO SIDE
What are the regions of the air particles are very closed together called?
Compressions
What are compressions?
Regions where the air particles are very close together
What are the gaps in between compressions?
Rare Factions
What are Rare factions?
These are in between the compressions, where there are spaces where particles are spaced out
What do all longitudinal waves require?
All LONGITUDINAL waves require a MEDIUM, to travel in e.g air, a liquid or a solid
What is a thing about transverse waves and mediums?
NOT ALL transverse waves require a medium.
What travels in Longitudinal and Transverse waves?
For both longitudinal and transverse waves its the WAVES that TRAVEL NOT the MEDIUM
What is the frequency of a wave?
The number of complete waves passing through a fixed point over a given amount of time.
What is the letter for frequency?
f (lower-case)
What is the measurement of frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
