Physics 3.1.1-2 Progressive, Transverse, and Longitudinal Waves

22 flashcards · Physics · by TheoTyson

1. What is a progressive wave?

   A wave that carries energy from one place to another without transferring any material.

2. How is a wave caused?

   When particles at a source are oscillated, the oscillations pass through a medium and carry energy with it.

3. What is a cycle?

   One complete vibration of the wave.

4. What is displacement?

   How far a point on a wave has moved from its equilibrium position.

5. What is the amplitude of a wave?

   The maximum value of displacement of the wave.

6. What is the wavelength?

   The length of one whole cycle

7. What is the period of a wave?

   The time taken for one whole cycle.

8. What is the frequency of a wave?

   The number of cycles completed in one second.

9. What is the phase?

   The position of a certain point along a wave cycle.

10. What is the phase difference of a wave?

    The amount one waves lags behind another.

11. When are two points in phase?

    They are in the same point of the cycle, and they have the same displacement and velocity

12. When are two points out of phase?

    They are half a cycle apart.

13. What is the wave equation?

    c=fλc = f \lambdac=fλ

14. Descrive transverse waves

    Transverse waves vibrate at right angles to the direction of energy transfer.

15. What are three examples of transverse waves?

    Electromagnetic waves. Ripples on water. Waves on a string.

16. Describe longitudinal waves

    Longitudinal waves vibrate along the direction of energy transfer, and consists of compression and rarefactions.

17. What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

    Sound wave.

18. What is the evidence for light as a transverse wave?

    When light is reflected, it can be polarised and the light will only come through in one direction, like a transverse wave.

19. What does a polariser do?

    Only lets a transverse wave through in one direction to create a polarised wave.

20. What happens when two polarisers are at right angles?

    No light will pass through.

21. Why are polarised sunglasses used?

    The polarised sunglasses can block out the unwanted glare of the reflected partially polarised light.

22. How are polarisers used in tv and radio antennae?

    The orientation of the transmitting rod must be aligned to the same plane of polarisation as the receiving antenna.