All Flashcards
What is a wave?
A travelling disturbance that transfers energy and momentum.
Define transverse wave.
A wave where particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.
Define longitudinal wave.
A wave where particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave motion.
What is amplitude?
The maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.
Define wavelength.
The distance from one repeated unit of a wave to the next.
What is the period (T) of a wave?
The time it takes for one complete cycle of a wave to occur.
What is the frequency (f) of a wave?
The number of cycles of a wave in a given amount of time.
What is the effect of increasing the amplitude of a wave?
Classically, the energy carried by the wave increases.
What happens to the wavelength of a wave if the frequency decreases, assuming constant velocity?
The wavelength increases.
What is required for mechanical waves to propagate?
A medium is required.
What are the key differences between transverse and longitudinal waves?
Transverse: Particles oscillate perpendicular to wave direction. Examples: light waves, waves on a string. | Longitudinal: Particles oscillate parallel to wave direction. Examples: sound waves.