Waves, Sound and Light

These flashcards cover key concepts related to waves, sound, and light, including definitions and important principles.

Pulse

A single disturbance propagated by a medium.

Amplitude (A)

Maximum disturbance of a particle from its position of rest.

Transverse Pulse

A pulse where the displacement of the medium's particles is perpendicular to the direction of pulse movement.

Pulse Speed

The distance covered by a pulse in one second.

Interference

The interaction of two or more pulses in the same medium.

Constructive Interference

Occurs when two pulses meet on the same side of the rest position, resulting in greater amplitude.

Destructive Interference

Occurs when two pulses meet on opposite sides of the rest position, resulting in smaller amplitude.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance between two consecutive points in phase.

Frequency (f)

The number of wave pulses passing a point per second.

Period (T)

The time taken for one complete wave pulse to pass a point.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave movement.

Compression

A region of high pressure in a longitudinal wave where particles are close together.

Rarefaction

A region of low pressure in a longitudinal wave where particles are far apart.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Radiation that does not require a medium to propagate; includes light, radio waves, and x-rays.

Photon

Energy packets found in electromagnetic waves that transfer energy to particles of matter.

Doppler Effect

Change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Quality (Tone)

The characteristic sound produced by different musical instruments.