Wave Motion and Related Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental terms and definitions related to wave motion, types of waves, wave parameters, and stationary waves.

Wave

Transfer of energy in the form of a disturbance through a medium; particles oscillate about their mean positions while energy moves from particle to particle.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of propagation; travels as compressions and rarefactions.

Compression

Region of higher density and pressure in a longitudinal wave.

Rarefaction

Region of lower density and pressure in a longitudinal wave.

Transverse Wave

A wave in which particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of propagation; travels as crests and troughs.

Crest

Point of maximum positive displacement above the mean position in a transverse wave.

Trough

Point of maximum negative displacement below the mean position in a transverse wave.

Amplitude (a)

Maximum displacement of a particle from its mean position during wave motion; SI unit: meter (m).

Time Period (T)

Time taken for a particle to complete one full oscillation; SI unit: second (s).

Frequency (f)

Number of complete oscillations per second; f = 1/T; SI unit: Hertz (Hz).

Wavelength (λ)

Distance between two consecutive points in the same phase of a wave; SI unit: meter (m).

Wave Velocity (v)

Distance travelled by a wave per second; v = λf.

Progressive Wave

A wave that travels through space, transferring energy from one region to another.

Wave Equation (Progressive)

General form y = a sin(ωt – kx) for a wave moving in the +x direction.

Wave Number (k)

Spatial frequency of a wave; k = 2π/λ.

Angular Frequency (ω)

Rate of change of phase; ω = 2πf.

Principle of Superposition

Resultant displacement at any point equals the vector sum of displacements produced by individual overlapping waves.

Stationary (Standing) Wave

Resultant wave formed by two identical waves travelling in opposite directions; exhibits no net energy flow.

Node

Point on a stationary wave where amplitude is zero and particles remain at rest.

Antinode

Point on a stationary wave where amplitude is maximum.

Polarization

Property of transverse waves allowing orientation of oscillations; longitudinal waves cannot be polarized.