Wave Motion and Related Concepts

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

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21 Terms

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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.

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Longitudinal Wave

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

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Compression

Region of higher density and pressure in a longitudinal wave.

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Rarefaction

Region of lower density and pressure in a longitudinal wave.

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Transverse Wave

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

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Crest

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

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Trough

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

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Amplitude (a)

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

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Time Period (T)

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

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Frequency (f)

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

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Wavelength (λ)

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

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Wave Velocity (v)

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

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Progressive Wave

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

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Wave Equation (Progressive)

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

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Wave Number (k)

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

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Angular Frequency (ω)

Rate of change of phase; ω = 2πf.

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Principle of Superposition

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

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Stationary (Standing) Wave

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

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Node

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

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Antinode

Point on a stationary wave where amplitude is maximum.

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Polarization

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