🌊 Waves in Matter Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., light), while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., sound).
Define amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and period.
Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the rest position.
Wavelength (λ): Distance between two consecutive points in phase.
Frequency (f): Number of waves passing a point per second (Hz).
Period (T): Time for one complete wave to pass a point (T = 1/f).
What is the wave equation, and what does it represent?
Wave speed (v) = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ);
it relates how fast a wave travels to its frequency and wavelength.
How do sound waves travel through different media?
Sound waves travel faster in solids than in liquids and gases because particles are closer together, facilitating quicker energy transfer.
What happens to a wave during refraction?
When a wave enters a new medium at an angle, its speed changes, causing the wave to change direction.
Describe how ultrasound is used in medical imaging.
Ultrasound waves reflect off boundaries between different tissues; the time taken for echoes to return helps create an image.
What is the electromagnetic spectrum, in order of increasing frequency?
Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.
How do the properties of EM waves change across the spectrum?
As frequency increases: wavelength decreases, energy increases, and penetration ability generally increases.
What are some uses of different EM waves?
Radio waves: Broadcasting.
Microwaves: Cooking, satellite communication.
Infrared: Thermal imaging.
Ultraviolet: Sterilization.
X-rays: Medical imaging.
Gamma rays: Cancer treatment.
What are the dangers associated with high-frequency EM waves?
Ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays can ionize atoms, potentially causing cell damage and increasing cancer risk.
