All Flashcards
What is the effect of increasing the frequency of a wave, while keeping the speed constant?
The wavelength decreases (since v = fλ).
What happens to the wave speed if the medium changes?
The wave speed changes; it depends on the properties of the medium.
What is the effect of doubling the amplitude of a wave?
The energy of the wave quadruples (energy is proportional to the square of the amplitude).
What is the effect of increasing the tension in a string on the speed of a transverse wave?
The speed of the wave increases.
What happens to the frequency of a wave if the source moves towards the observer (Doppler effect)?
The observed frequency increases.
Define 'periodic wave'.
A wave that repeats its pattern over and over again, characterized by wavelength, period, frequency, and amplitude.
What is the period (T) of a wave?
The time it takes for one complete wave cycle.
Define frequency (f) and its unit.
The number of wave cycles that happen in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
What is wavelength (λ)?
The distance between two identical points on a wave (e.g., crest to crest).
Define amplitude (A) of a wave.
The maximum displacement of the wave from its resting position.
What is angular frequency (ω)?
Angular frequency (ω) is a measure of how quickly the oscillations are occurring, expressed in radians per second. It's related to frequency (f) and period (T) by the equations: ω = 2πf = 2π/T
What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?
Transverse: Displacement is perpendicular to wave direction. Longitudinal: Displacement is parallel to wave direction.
Compare the wave equation as a function of time and as a function of position.
Time: describes the wave's displacement at a given time. Position: describes the wave's displacement at a given position.
Differentiate between frequency and angular frequency.
Frequency (f): Number of cycles per second (Hz). Angular frequency (ω): Rate of change of the wave's phase (rad/s), where ω = 2πf.
Compare and contrast wavelength and period.
Wavelength (λ): Spatial distance of one complete wave cycle. Period (T): Temporal duration of one complete wave cycle.
What is the difference between the general wave equation and the specific equations for periodic waves?
General wave equation: A partial differential equation describing wave displacement in terms of space and time. Specific equations: Use sine or cosine functions to describe simple periodic waves.