Exam 2 (6,7,8)

Chapter 6,7,8

Longitudinal Waves

Waves where particle motion and wave velocity are parallel, such as sound waves.

Transverse Waves

Waves where particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave velocity, such as light.

Wavelength

The distance between successive crests of a wave, calculated as wave speed divided by frequency.

Period

The duration of one complete cycle of a wave, calculated as the reciprocal of frequency (1/frequency).

Sound Spectrum

The range of frequencies of sound waves, divided into three regions: Infrasonic, Audible, and Ultrasonic.

Infrasonic Waves

Sound waves with frequencies less than 20 Hz.

Audible Sound

Sound frequencies that can be heard by humans, ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Ultrasonic Waves

Sound waves with frequencies greater than 20 kHz.

Decibel Scale

A logarithmic scale used to measure sound intensity or loudness.

Doppler Effect

The change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Standing Waves

A waveform that appears to be stationary due to interference of waves traveling in opposite directions.

Resonance

The phenomenon that occurs when an object vibrates at a natural frequency that matches an external frequency.

Law of Reflection

States that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with different densities.

Index of Refraction

A measure of how much the speed of light is reduced in a medium compared to a vacuum.

Dispersion

The process of separating white light into its component colors when it passes through a prism.

Concave Mirror

A mirror that curves inward, causing parallel light rays to converge.

Convex Mirror

A mirror that curves outward, causing parallel light rays to diverge.

Polarization

The process of restricting the vibrations of light waves to a specific direction.

Diffraction

The bending of waves around obstacles or opening, which occurs especially with larger wavelengths.

Electric Force

The attractive or repulsive force between charged objects.

Coulomb's Law

The law stating that the force between two charges varies inversely with the square of the distance between them.

Current (I)

The flow of electric charge, measured in amperes, calculated as charge per time.

Conductors

Materials that allow electric charge to flow easily, typically metals with loosely bound electrons.

Insulators

Materials that do not conduct electricity well, due to tightly bound electrons.

Ohm’s Law

The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance, stated as V = IR.

Electrical Circuit

A path through which electric current flows, classified as open or closed, and can be series or parallel.

Electrical Power (P)

The rate at which electrical energy is transferred, calculated as work divided by time.

Magnetism

The interaction of electric currents and magnetic fields, typically associated with certain materials.

Curie Temperature

The temperature above which magnetic materials lose their magnetism.

Electromagnetism

The combined effect of electric and magnetic fields, often generated by moving charges.

Electric Motors

Devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.

Transformers

Devices used to change the voltage of electric currents in transmission systems.