Waves Flashcards
What is meant by a polarising wave
A transverse wave which oscillates in a fixed direction
Definition of wavelength
Distance between identical points on the wave
Definition of frequency
Number of waves passing a point per second
Definition of speed (waves)
Distance travelled by wave per second
What is meant by interference?
When two waves superpose - overall change in displacement
What does coherence mean?
When two waves are in constant phase
What is maxima and minima - interference
Maxima is constructive interference
Minima is destructive interference
What is intensity?
The radiant power passing through a surface per unit area.
What is the rule for superposition?
The resultant displacement is equal to the sum of the displacement of the individual waves.
What is path difference?
How much more/less one wave travels than another to get to a certain point.
What are stationary waves?
They are superposed progressive waves which have the same frequency travelling in opposite directions.
