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Physics
Physics - Waves
Question | Answer |
---|---|
What are the 2 types of waves? | transverse & longitudinal |
What is a 'transverse wave'? | a wave where the oscillations are perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave travel |
What is a 'longitudinal wave'? | a wave where the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave travel |
What are the 2 parts of a longitudinal wave called? | Compressions & rarefactions |
What is 'rest position'? | the undisturbed position of particles when they are not vibrating |
What is 'displacement'? | the distance that a certain point in the medium has moved from its rest position |
What is 'peak'? | the highest point above the rest position |
What is 'trough'? | the lowest point below the rest position |
What is 'amplitude'? | the maximum displacement of a point of a wave from its rest position |
What is 'wavelength'? | distance covered by a full cycle of the wave, usually measured from peak to peak, or trough to trough |
What is 'time period'? | the time taken for a full cycle of the wave, usually measured from peak to peak, or trough to trough |
What is 'frequency'? | the number of waves passing a point each second |
What type of waves cause oscillations of particles in a solid, liquid or gas? | mechanical waves |
What type of waves cause oscillations in electrical & magnetic fields? | electromagnetic waves |
What is the equation for calculating the time period of a wave? | Time period = 1 / frequency |
What is the equation for calculating wave speed? | Wave speed = frequency X wavelength |
What is frequency measured in? | hertz (Hz) |
What is wave speed measured in? | metres per second (m/s) |
What is wavelength measured in? | metres (m) |
What is the equation for calculating the speed of sound? | speed = distance / time |
What is 'reflection'? | when a wave bounces off a surface |