Topic 4 & 9 Flashcards
Displacement (for waves)
distance a particle moves in a particular direction from its equilibrium position
Amplitude
Maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
Frequency
number of oscillations per unit time
Period
Time taken for one complete oscillation
Phase difference
Difference in phase between two points
Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
motion that takes place when the acceleration of an object is proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position and is always directed toward its equilibrium position
Transverse wave
wave in which the direction of motion of the energy transfer is
perpendicular to the direction of motion of the particles of the medium
Longitudinal Wave
wave in which the direction of motion of the energy transfer is parallel to the direction of motion of the particles of the medium
Wavelength
Shortest distance along the wave between two points in phase with one another
Intensity
power received per unit area
(NOTE: for a wave, its intensity is proportional to the square of its amplitude)
Principle of superposition
When two waves meet, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of the displacements of the component waves.
Node
Locations of constant complete destructive interference on a standing wave
Antinode
Locations of maximum constructive interference on a standing wave
Polarised Light
Light in which the electric field vector oscillates in one plane only
Diffraction
The process by which a system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture
