Wave definitions and equations Flashcards
What is the peak/crest?
Highest point on the wave
What is a trough?
Lowest point on the wave
What is the Equilibrium?
The place the wave vibrates around (the middle of the wave)
What is the Wavelength?
The distance between identical points on adjacent waves
What is the Amplitude?
The maximum displacement of a point on the wave from the equilibrium
WAVELENGTH IS ALWAYS IN METRES FOR THE EQUATION
WAVELENGTH IS ALWAYS IN METRES FOR THE EQUATION
What is the frequency?
The number of waves which pass a point in a second. Frequency is measured in Hz (Hertz)
What is a Wavefront?
A line where the waves moving through a material are all at the same point
What is the WAVESPEED equation?
Wave Speed = frequency × wavelength (IN METRES)
WAVELENGTH IS ALWAYS IN METRES FOR THE EQUATION
WAVELENGTH IS ALWAYS IN METRES FOR THE EQUATION
What is a Time Period?
The time take for a wave to complete a single oscillation. Seconds (S)
What is the frequency equation?
frequency = 1 ÷ Time Period
What symbol is wavelength represented by?
Upside down Y
