Wave Properties, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Satellites, and Seismic Waves

Vocabulary flashcards covering wave definitions, the electromagnetic spectrum, satellite orbits, total internal reflection, optical imaging techniques, and seismic wave properties.

Transverse waves

Waves where the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of wave travel.

Longitudinal waves

Waves where the vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement from rest.

Frequency

The number of cycles of a wave that occur in one second.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

A spectrum of 7 transverse wave regions (radio waves, microwaves, infra-red, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays) that transfer energy and travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

Radio waves

The region of the electromagnetic spectrum that has the longest wavelength and lowest frequency.

Ionising electromagnetic waves

UV, X-rays, and gamma rays, among which gamma is the most ionising and UV is the least ionising.

Geosynchronous satellite

A satellite with an orbit time of $24\,\text{h}$ that returns to the same point in the sky at the same time each day and can communicate with a base station only once every $24\,\text{h}$.

Geostationary satellite

A particular type of geosynchronous satellite that never leaves its position in the sky, allowing a base station to be in constant communication with it.

Conditions for TIR (Total Internal Reflection)

Movement of a wave from a more dense to a less dense material and an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle.

Endoscopy

A remote imaging technique that uses optical fibres to investigate specific areas of the body; it is less harmful than CT scans.

CT scans

A 3D imaging technique using X-rays to generate more overall images of the body; it presents a higher risk than endoscopes.

P waves

The fastest seismic waves, which are longitudinal and travel through both solids and liquids.

S waves

Transverse seismic waves that can only travel through solids.

Surface waves

The slowest seismic waves, which are longitudinal, travel along the surface, and cause the most damage.