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Wave Terms
This flashcard set reviews the basic wave definitions.
26
Science
10th Grade
11/05/2012

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Term
Wavelength
Definition
The distance from two repeating parts of a wave such as crest to crest or trough to trough.
Term
Amplitude
Definition
The height of the wave from the equilibrium to crest or to the trough.
Term
Equilibrium
Definition
The center spot in the medium where the wave is not moving.
Term
Medium
Definition
The material a wave transfers through.
Term
Crest
Definition
Is the top of a wave.
Term
Trough
Definition
Is the bottom of a wave.
Term
Longitudinal Wave
Definition
A wave in which the particle (moving medium) and energy travel parallel, same direction.
Term
Transversal Wave
Definition
A wave in which the particle (moving medium) and energy travel perpendicular, cross ways.
Term
Constructive Interference
Definition
When two waves collide on the same side adding up to make a bigger wave, and the waves still pass through each other.
Term
Destructive Interference
Definition
When two waves collide on the opposite side subtracting from each other to make a smaller wave, and the waves still pass through each other.
Term
Frequency
Definition
The measurement of how many times the wave repeats in a second, cycles per second. Measured in Hertz.
Term
Period
Definition
How long it takes for a wave to repeat, seconds per cycle. Measured in seconds.
Term
Hertz (Hz)
Definition
The unit of frequency measured in cycles per second.
Term
Fixed End Reflection
Definition
When the wave hits a boundary (medium change) and flips to the other side coming back.
Term
Free End Reflection
Definition
When the wave hits a boundary (medium change) and stays on the same side coming back.
Term
Less Dense to More Dense Material (Refraction)
Definition
The wave speeds up, causing the transmitted part (passes through) to become shorter in wavelength. Some of the energy is reflected back as a fixed end, flipping to the opposite side.
Term
More Dense to Less Dense Material (Refraction)
Definition
The wave slows down, causing the transmitted part (passes through) to become longer in wavelength. Some of the energy is reflected back as a free end, returning on the same side.
Term
Doppler Effect
Definition
an increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, or other waves as the source and observer move toward (or away from) each other. The effect causes the sudden change in pitch noticeable in a passing siren, as well as the redshift seen by astronomers.
Term
Medium and Tension
Definition
The only two things that change the speed of a wave.
Term
Diffraction
Definition
When a wave spreads out from across an edge, around a corner, or from passing through a small hole. Usually interference happens afterwards.
Term
v=λf
Definition
Wavespeed Formula
Term
T=1/f (Inverse)
Definition
The relationship between period and frequency.
Term
λ
Definition
The symbol for wavelength.
Term
Standing Wave
Definition
A wave that remains at a constant position. The wave reflects back off of a boundary back onto its self creating constructive and destructive interference.
Term
Node
Definition
The place on a standing wave where destructive interference creates a point of no movement in the medium.
Term
Antinode
Definition
The place on a standing wave where constructive interference creates a point with the most movement.
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