Physics Concepts in Energy and Waves

These flashcards cover key concepts related to energy and wave behavior as discussed in the lecture notes.

Kinetic Energy

Measured by calculating the motion based on an object's velocity; measured in joules, and calculated using the formula KE = ½mv².

Potential Energy

The energy stored in an object.

Work

The transfer of energy that occurs when force is applied to an object, causing it to move a distance in the direction of the force.

Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another or transferred between systems; total energy in an isolated system remains constant.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy Conservation: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Defines the one-way flow of energy from a high energy source to a low energy receiver.

Reflection

The bouncing back of sound waves when they encounter a barrier.

Diffraction

The bending and spreading of waves as they pass through openings or obstacles.

Refraction

The bending of waves as they pass through media with varying temperatures, densities, or wind speeds.

Interference

When two or more sound waves overlap, affecting the resultant sound.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement or height of a wave from its equilibrium position.

Wavelength

The spatial distance over which a wave's shape repeats.

Frequency

The number of wave cycles that pass a fixed point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Speed of a Wave

The rate at which a wave propagates through a medium.

Longitudinal Wave

A type of mechanical wave where particles vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transport.

Transverse Wave

A type of wave where particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transport.

Constructive Interference

When waves combine in phase, creating a wave with larger amplitude and greater intensity.

Destructive Interference

When waves combine and cancel each other out.

Conduction

Heat transfer through direct contact between particles.

Convection

Movement of heated fluid causing heat transfer.

Radiation

Transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves.

Oscillation

Repetitive back and forth movement around a central equilibrium.

Convex Mirror

Curved, outwardly bulging mirror that diverges light waves.

Concave Mirror

Creates a magnified image or a smaller, inverted real image.

Volume of Sound

Affected by distance from the source, amplitude, and surface area of the source.

Medium Characteristics Affecting Sound Waves

Elasticity, temperature, and density of the medium.