Waves/Properties of Waves Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is the definition of a progressive wave?
A progressive wave is a wave in which the peaks and troughs oscillate through the medium, as energy is transferred from one place to another.
What is the definition of a longitudinal wave?
The oscillation of particles is parallel to the direction of travel of energy transfer.
What is the definition of a transverse wave?
The oscillation of particles is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
What are some examples of transverse waves?
Waves on the surface of water
Electromagnetic Waves
Waves on stretched strings
S-waves produced in earthquakes
What are some examples of longitudinal waves?
P-waves produced in earthquakes
Sound Waves
What is the definition of displacement?
Distance from equilibrium position in a particular direction.
What is the definition of Amplitude?
Maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
What is the definition of Wavelength?
Minimum distance between two points in phase on adjacent waves.
What is the definition of Frequency?
The number of wavelengths passing a given point per unit time.
What is the definition of Wave speed?
The distance travelled by the wave per unit time.
What is the definition of a period of oscillation?
The time taken for one oscillation to move one whole wavelength past a given point.
What is the wave equation?
Wave speed=Frequency x Wavelength
What is the definition of Phase Difference?
The difference between the displacement of particles along a wave. Measured in degrees or radians.
What is meant by in phase?
If particles are oscillating perfectly in step with each other (they both reach their maximum positive displacement at the same time) then they are described as in phase.
They have a phase difference of 0.
Or if thee two particles are separated by x number of wavelengths then we could say the phase difference is 360 or 720 degrees depending on what number x is.
What is meant by antiphase?
If particles are oscillating completely out of step with each other(one reaches its maximum positive displacement while the other reaches its maximum negative displacement at the same time) then they are described as being in antiphase.
They have a phase difference of 180 degrees or pi radians or a phase difference of an odd multiple of 180° (or π radians), or an odd number of half-wavelengths.
