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Compare and contrast transverse and longitudinal waves.
Transverse: Particles oscillate perpendicular to wave direction; examples include light waves. Longitudinal: Particles oscillate parallel to wave direction; examples include sound waves. Both transfer energy.
Compare the relationship between amplitude and energy in waves.
Higher amplitude: Carries more energy. Lower amplitude: Carries less energy.
What is a wave?
A travelling disturbance that transfers energy and momentum.
What is amplitude?
The maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium value.
Define wavelength.
The distance from one repeated unit of a wave to the next.
What is the period of a wave?
The time it takes for one complete cycle of a wave to occur.
Define frequency.
The number of cycles of a wave in a given amount of time.
What is a transverse wave?
A wave where the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.
What is a longitudinal wave?
A wave where the particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave motion.
What is the effect of increasing the frequency of a wave, assuming the velocity remains constant?
The wavelength decreases (inverse relationship).
What is the effect of increasing the amplitude of a sound wave?
The sound becomes louder.
What happens to the velocity of a mechanical wave if the density of the medium increases?
The velocity generally increases.
What happens to the velocity of a mechanical wave if the tension of the medium increases?
The velocity generally increases.