Scuencs Flashcards
(30 cards)
Wave
a repeating disturbance that transfers energy from
one place to another.
Pulse
as a wave travels, energy is transferred. A pulse is
formed when the energy is transferred one time
only.
Does matter travel with a wave?
A wave does NOT transfer matter. The matter in which a wave travels does not
move along with it. For example, waves on a
pond move towards the shore, but the bug only
bobs up and down due to a small disturbance.
In what direction does a wave transfer energy?
A wave transfers energy in the direction that the
wave travels.
What is the difference between a pulse and a repeating
movement wave pattern?
A wave pulse is formed when energy is transferred at one
time. (Ex: plucking a guitar string)
A repeating movement wave pattern is when energy is
transferred in a repeating pattern. (Ex: heart rate
monitor)
Transverse
particles vibrate perpendicularly (up and down) to the
the direction the wave travels.
Longitudinal
particles vibrate parallel to the direction the wave travels.
Compression
an area where the coils are close together.
Rarefaction
an area of a wave where the coils are spread out.
Crest
the highest point of the wave.
Trough
the lowest point of the wave.
Surface wave
a combination of longitudinal waves and transverse
waves. A ripple on a pond is an example of this
combined wave type.
Explain how waves move in an Earthquake.
Waves in an earthquake are both
transverse and longitudinal.
Longitudinal waves travel faster than
transverse waves. They arrive first, and
the transverse waves arrive second.
The transverse waves are usually more
destructive.
Blastwave
a highpressure wave that radiates out with great energy
from the center of an explosion.
Amplitude
a measure of how far a particle in the medium moves away
from its normal rest position. Amplitude is half of the
difference between the crest and the trough.
Wavelength
the distance from any point on a wave to an identical point on
the next wave pulse. Wavelength measures the length of one
cycle, or repetition, of a wave.
Frequency
the number of waves produced in a set amount of time.
Hertz
the unit of measure that FREQUENCY is usually expressed
in. (Hz).
Wave speed
the rate at which a wave travels.
*It can be calculated by multiplying wavelength and frequency.
Using the formula for wave speed, what
would the wave speed be if the wave has a
wavelength of 6m and a frequency of 5Hz?
(multiply wavelength by frequency and don’t
forget to label)
v = 6m x 5 Hz = 30m/s
What is the amplitude of a wave dependant
on?
The amplitude of a wave is
dependant on energy.
Which carries more energy, a wave with a
large amplitude or a wave with a small
amplitude?
A wave with a large amplitude
carries more energy than a wave
with a small amplitude.
To determine the wave speed of a wave that has a wavelength
of 5m and a frequency of 4 Hz, replace the λ and f with the
values given and solve: v = 5m x 4Hz = 20 m/s.
v = λ x f
v = 5m x 4Hz
v = 20 m/s
Medium
a material through which the energy of the wave
moves from one place to another. The medium can
be air, water, steel, or any other material.
