Transverse Pulse and Waves

Flashcards for transverse pulse and waves

PULSE

A single disturbance in a medium

TRANSVERSE PULSE

A pulse in which the particles of the medium move at right angles to the direction of motion of the pulse

AMPLITUDE

The maximum disturbance of a particle from it's rest (equilibrium) position

MEDIUM

A substance through which the disturbance travels

PROPAGATE

The process by which a disturbance travels through a medium

EQUILIBRIUM POSITION

Rest position of the medium when there is no disturbance

THE PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION

The algebraic sum of the amplitudes of two pulses that occupy the same space at the same time

CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE

Where the crest of one pulse overlaps the crest of another to produce a pulse of increased magnitude

DESTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE

Where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the trough of another, resulting in a pulse of decreased magnitude

WAVE

A disturbance that carries energy through matter or space

TRANSVERSE WAVE

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate at right angles to the direction of motion of the wave

CREST

Highest point of a wave (peak)

TROUGH

Lowest point on a wave

AMPLITUDE

The maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position

WAVELENGTH

Distance between two successive points in phase

FREQUENCY

The number of wave pulses per second

PERIOD

The time taken for one complete wave pulse

IN PHASE

Two points in phase are separated by a whole number multiple of complete wavelengths

OUT OF PHASE

Points that are not separated by a whole number multiple of complete wavelengths

PERIOD

The amount of time required for one wave to pass

FREQUENCY

The number of wave crests that pass a point during one second

WAVE SPEED

Distance travelled by a point on a wave per unit time