Waves Flashcards
What is a wave?
A wave is the oscillation of particles or fields
What is a progressive wave?
A progressive (moving) wave carries energy from one place to another without transferring any material
What is a wave caused by?
A wave is caused by something making particles or fields oscillate (or vibrate) at a source. These oscillations pass through the medium (or field) as the wave travels, carrying energy with it
What are some ways you can tell waves carry energy?
1- Electromagnetic waves cause things to heat up
2- X-rays and gamma rays knock electrons out of their orbits, causing ionisation
3- Loud sounds cause large oscillations of air particles which can make things vibrate
4- Wave power can be used to generate electricity
5- Since waves carry energy away, the source of the wave loses energy
Define the cycle of a wave
A cycle is one complete vibration of a wave
Define the displacement of a wave
The displacement of a wave is how far a point on the wave has moved from its undisturbed position
What is the symbol and units of displacement?
- The symbol is x
- The units are metres
Define the amplitude of a wave
The amplitude of a wave is the maximum magnitude of displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position
What is the symbol and units of amplitude?
- The symbol is A
- The units are metres
Define the wavelength of a wave
The wavelength of a wave is the length of one whole wave cycle, from crest to crest or trough to trough
Are troughs high or low points on a wave?
Low points
Are crests high or low points on a wave?
High points
What is the symbol and units of wavelength?
- The symbol is λ
- The units are metres
Define the period of a wave
The period of a wave is the time taken for a whole cycle (vibration) to complete, or to pass a given point
What is the symbol and units of period?
- The symbol is T
- The units are seconds
Define the frequency of a wave
The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles (vibrations) per second passing a given point
Define the term phase
Phase is a measurement of the position of a certain point along the wave cycle
Define the term phase difference
Phase difference is the amount one wave lags behind another
What are phase and phase difference measured in?
Phase and phase difference are measured in angles (in degrees or radians) or as fractions of a cycle
What is the relationship between waves and reflection/refraction?
Waves can be reflected and refracted
Define the reflection of a wave
When a wave is reflected the wave is bounced back when it hits a boundary.
What are some examples of waves being reflected?
- You can see the reflection of light in mirrors.
- The reflection of water waves can be demonstrated in a ripple tank
Define the refraction of a wave
When a wave is refracted the wave changes direction as it enters a different medium. The change in direction is a result of the wave slowing down or speeding up
What is the relationship between the frequency and period of a wave?
The frequency is the inverse of the period