P3.1 General properties of wave Flashcards
(23 cards)
Definition of waves
Waves transfer energy without transferring matter
What does it meant by wave motion ?
The transfer of energy from one point to another without the transfer of matter, typically involving oscillations or vibrations
Definition of wavelength
Distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave
Definition of frequency
Number of complete waves per second (e.g 1 Hz means 1 whole wave passes a point in 1 second)
Definition of crest (peak)
The highest point of a wave
Definition of trough
The lowest point of a wave
Definition of amplitude
The greatest displacement of a wave from its rest (undisturbed) position
Definition of wave speed
Distance travelled by a wave per unit time
Equation for wave speed
v = fλ v: wave speed in m/s; f: frequency in Hertz; λ: wavelength in meter
Define reflection of wave
The change in direction of a wave when it strikes a surface without passing through the surface
Define refraction of wave
The change in speed of a wave when it passes from one medium to another
What are the 2 natures of a wave ?
Transverse and longitudinal wave
What are the 2 types of a wave ?
Mechanical and electromagnetic (EM) waves
Definition of a transverse wave
A wave where the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation of the wave
Definition of a longitudinal wave
A wave where the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation of the wave
Examples of transverse wave
Electromagnetic radiation, water waves, seismic S-waves (Secondary)
Examples of longitudinal wave
Sound waves, seismic P-waves (Primary)
Definition of diffraction
The spreading out of a wave as it travels through a gap or around the edge of of an object.
How wavelength and gap size affects diffraction through a gap ?
If gap size is a lot bigger than wavelength, no diffraction occur. If gap size is a bit bigger than wavelength, some diffraction occur. If gap size is equal to or smaller than wavelength, diffraction occurs.
What is the time period of a wave ?
The amount of time it takes for a complete wave to occur.
Formula to calculate time period of wave
T = 1/ f T: time period (s) ; f: frequency (Hz)
How diffraction affects the property of wave
Diffraction of a wave in only the spreading out of the wave through a gap or around an object, there is no change to wave speed, frequency and wavelength.
How refraction affects the property of wave
Refraction leads to a change in speed and wavelength of waves
+ If entering a denser medium, speed decreases and wavelength decreases
+ If entering a less dense medium, speed increases and wavelength increases
