Fundamental Wave Properties to Know for AP Physics 2 (2025)

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15 Terms

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“Waves"

"Disturbances that move energy across space or a medium without moving matter."

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"Mechanical Waves"

"Require a medium for propagation, such as solid, liquid, or gas. Examples include sound waves and seismic waves."

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"Transverse Waves"

"Waves where the direction of propagation is perpendicular to the particle movement. Example: light waves."

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"Longitudinal Waves"

"Waves where the direction of propagation is parallel to the particle movement. Example: sound waves."

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"Electromagnetic Waves"

"Do not require a medium and can move through a vacuum. Examples include X-rays and radio waves."

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"Matter Waves"

"Connected to particles, demonstrating wave-particle duality. Example: de Broglie waves."

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"Wavelength (λ)"

"Distance between two successive points in phase, such as crest to crest. Measured in meters (m)."

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"Frequency (f)"

"Number of waves passing a point per second. Measured in hertz (Hz)."

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"Time Period (T)"

"Time for one complete wave cycle. T = 1/f. Measured in seconds (s)."

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"Amplitude (A)"

"Maximum displacement from equilibrium, indicating wave intensity or energy."

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"Wave Speed (v)"

"Speed of energy transmission, related to wavelength and frequency by v = f × λ. Measured in m/s."

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"Reflection"

"When a wave bounces back upon hitting a surface. Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection."

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"Refraction"

"Change in wave direction due to a speed change in different mediums. Described by Snell's Law."

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"Diffraction"

"Bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, prominent when wavelength matches obstacle size."

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"Interference"

"Combination of waves to form a resultant wave, leading to constructive or destructive interference."