Wave Characteristics Flashcards

Wave Basics

• Energy: The capacity to perform work or instigate change.
• Wave: A disturbance that transfers energy from one location to another.
• Propagation: Describes the forward movement of a wave through a medium.
• Medium: The substance or material that facilitates wave movement.

Wave Properties

• Oscillation: A quick to and fro motion; represents vibration.
• Crest: The highest point reached by a transverse wave.
• Trough: The lowest point in a transverse wave.
• Wavelength: The distance between identical points on adjacent waves; measured from crest to crest or trough to trough.
• Amplitude: Maximum displacement from the rest position within a medium, representing half of the total wave height.

Frequency and Measurement

• Frequency: Number of waves passing a given point within a specific duration, typically measured per second.
• Hertz (Hz): A unit measuring frequency as waves per second.
• Changes in Frequency: Increasing frequency causes a decrease in wavelength.

Types of Waves

• Mechanical Waves: Require a medium (matter) for propagation.
• Electromagnetic Waves: Can travel through a vacuum and a medium; disrupt electric and magnetic fields.
• Transverse Waves: Oscillate perpendicular to the wave's travel direction.
• Longitudinal Waves: Oscillate parallel to the direction of travel.

Wave Dynamics

• Rarefaction: Section of a longitudinal wave where particles are spaced further apart.
• Compression: Part of a longitudinal wave where particles are densely packed together.
• Seismic Waves: Vibrations traveling through Earth, originating from earthquakes.

Wave Speed and Period

• Wave Speed: Distance a wave travels per second, calculated as speed = frequency x wavelength.
• Period: Time taken for one wavelength to pass a specific point, calculated using T = 1/f.

Wave Interactions

• Absorption: Energy transfer from a wave to medium molecules, often transforming energy into heat or motion; amplitude reduces and propagation may cease.
• Transmission: The ongoing movement of a wave through a medium.
• Reflection: Bouncing back of a wave upon encountering a non-permeable surface.
• Law of Reflection: The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.
• Refraction: Wave bending due to speed alterations upon entering a new medium.
• Diffraction: The bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.

Interference

• Constructive Interference: Occurs when two waves merge, resulting in increased amplitude.
• Destructive Interference: Happens when two waves combine to produce a reduced amplitude.

Resonance

• Resonance: Amplification of vibration when an external force corresponds with an object's inherent frequency.

Wave Examples

• Transverse Waves: Include water ripples, X-rays, and sunlight.
• Longitudinal Waves: Include sound waves, a compressing Slinky, and seismic waves from earthquakes.

Standing Waves

• Node: A stationary point on a standing wave that shows no oscillation.
• Antinodes: Regions of maximum oscillation on standing waves.