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Questions and Answers
Describe how the motion of particles differs between transverse and longitudinal waves.
Describe how the motion of particles differs between transverse and longitudinal waves.
In transverse waves, particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction, while in longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the wave's direction.
Give an example of destructive interference and explain its effect on the resulting amplitude.
Give an example of destructive interference and explain its effect on the resulting amplitude.
When a crest of one wave meets the trough of another wave, they cancel each other out, reducing the amplitude. If the crest and trough have equal amplitudes, the wave disappears completely.
Explain what happens to a water wave’s energy when it is absorbed by a barrier.
Explain what happens to a water wave’s energy when it is absorbed by a barrier.
When a water wave is absorbed by a barrier, the barrier takes in some of the wave's energy, causing it to weaken.
How does wavelength relate differently to transverse waves versus longitudinal waves?
How does wavelength relate differently to transverse waves versus longitudinal waves?
Describe what happens to the speed and direction of a water wave when it undergoes refraction.
Describe what happens to the speed and direction of a water wave when it undergoes refraction.
What is the main difference between reflection and transmission when a wave encounters a barrier?
What is the main difference between reflection and transmission when a wave encounters a barrier?
If two waves with equal amplitude interfere constructively, what is the amplitude of the resulting wave?
If two waves with equal amplitude interfere constructively, what is the amplitude of the resulting wave?
Explain the relationship between frequency and the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time.
Explain the relationship between frequency and the number of waves that pass a point in a given amount of time.
A wave has a high amplitude. What does this indicate about the amount of energy it is carrying?
A wave has a high amplitude. What does this indicate about the amount of energy it is carrying?
Differentiate between compression and rarefaction in the context of longitudinal waves.
Differentiate between compression and rarefaction in the context of longitudinal waves.
Flashcards
What are waves?
What are waves?
Movements that carry energy from one place to another without moving matter.
What is a Transverse Wave?
What is a Transverse Wave?
A wave where particles move up and down, perpendicular to the wave direction.
Wavelength (Transverse)
Wavelength (Transverse)
The distance between two crests or troughs in a transverse wave.
Crest
Crest
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What is a Longitudinal Wave?
What is a Longitudinal Wave?
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Compression
Compression
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What is Reflection?
What is Reflection?
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What is Refraction?
What is Refraction?
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What is Superposition?
What is Superposition?
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Constructive Interference
Constructive Interference
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Study Notes
- Waves are movements transferring energy without moving matter, capable of traveling through air, water, and solids.
Types of Waves
- Two main types: transverse and longitudinal.
Transverse Waves
- Particles move up and down, perpendicular to wave direction.
- Examples: water waves and light waves.
- Wavelength: distance between two crests or troughs.
- Amplitude: wave height from resting position.
- Crest: highest point of the wave.
- Trough: lowest point of the wave.
- Frequency: number of waves passing a point per second.
Longitudinal Waves
- Particles move back and forth, parallel to wave direction.
- Example: sound waves.
- Compression: area where particles are close together.
- Rarefaction: area where particles are spread apart.
- Wavelength: distance between two compressions or rarefactions.
- Amplitude: how much particles are compressed or rarefied.
Wave Interactions with Barriers
- Reflection: wave bounces back from a barrier.
- Refraction: wave changes direction upon entering a new material.
- Absorption: barrier absorbs wave energy, weakening it.
- Transmission: wave passes through a non-solid barrier.
Superposition Principle
- Describes what happens when waves meet.
Constructive Interference
- Waves combine to create a larger wave when crest meets crest or trough meets trough.
- Results in increased amplitude.
Destructive Interference
- Waves cancel or reduce each other when a crest meets a trough.
- Perfect cancellation results in wave disappearance.
Key Terms
- Wave: movement that carries energy.
- Amplitude: wave height.
- Frequency: wave repetition rate per second.
- Wavelength: distance between crests or troughs.
- Reflection: wave bouncing off a barrier.
- Refraction: wave bending when entering new material.
- Superposition: waves combining when they meet.
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