Waves Flashcards
What is wavelength?
The distance from one peak to the next
What is frequency?
How many complete waves there are in 1 second
What is the amplitude?
The height of the wave (from rest to crest)
What is the period of a wave?
The time it takes for one complete wave to pass a point.
What is the definition of a transverse wave?
In transverse waves, the vibrations are perpendicular to the direction energy is transferred by the wave
What are examples of transverse waves?
EM waves
Waves on a string
Ripples on water
What is the definition of a longitudinal wave?
In longitudinal waves, the vibrations are parallel to the direction energy is transferred by the ave
What are some examples of longitudinal waves?
Sound waves
Seismic-P waves
Describe the Doppler Effect.
The waves produced by a moving source will be different from those produced by a stationary source.
This is because the wave speed is constant, so if the source moves, the wave will bunch up in front of the source, and spread out behind it
What will the frequency and wavelength be of a source moving towards you?
The frequency will be higher
The wavelength will be shorter
What will the frequency and wavelength be of a source moving away from you?
The frequency will be lower
The wavelength will be longer
What are the characteristics of all electromagnetic waves?
All EM waves are transverse
All EM waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum
