waves Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is a wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter.
True or False: Waves can only travel through solids.
False.
Fill in the blank: The two main types of waves are _____ and _____ waves.
transverse, longitudinal
What is the definition of a transverse wave?
A transverse wave is one in which the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
What is the definition of a longitudinal wave?
A longitudinal wave is one in which the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
What is wavelength?
Wavelength is the distance between consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.
What is frequency?
Frequency is the number of waves that pass a given point in one second.
What is the formula for wave speed?
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength.
True or False: The amplitude of a wave is related to its energy.
True.
What is amplitude?
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.
What unit is used to measure frequency?
Hertz (Hz).
What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency; as one increases, the other decreases.
Fill in the blank: Sound waves are an example of _____ waves.
longitudinal
What is the principle of superposition?
The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resultant wave is the sum of the individual waves.
What phenomenon occurs when waves bend around obstacles?
Diffraction.
What is refraction?
Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.
What is the Doppler effect?
The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.
True or False: Standing waves are formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.
True.
What is resonance?
Resonance is the phenomenon that occurs when an object is forced to vibrate at its natural frequency, leading to increased amplitude.
What is constructive interference?
Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase, resulting in a wave of greater amplitude.
What is destructive interference?
Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet out of phase, resulting in a wave of lesser amplitude or cancellation.
What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).
What type of wave is light?
Electromagnetic wave.
Fill in the blank: The frequency of a wave is measured in _____ per second.
cycles
