Unit 1- Physics [C1 ]Working with waves

This is from the applied science foundation diploma textbook of the Pearson edexcel specification

Periodic time

the time taken for one whole cycle of an oscillation

Wavelength

the distance along the wave in its direction of travel between consecutive points where the oscillations are in phase

Frequency

the number of whole cycles occurring in one second

Amplitude

the maximum value of displacement in the oscillation cycle- always measured from the mean position

Oscillation

a regularly repeating motion about a central value

What are properties of transverse waves?

What are properties of longitudinal waves?

How do waves transfer energy?

one place to another but without causing any net movement of material

What is an example of an oscillating system?

a piston in a motor car engine

What types of waves do you typically draw to show oscillations?

sine waves

What are transverse waves?

the displacement is at the right angle to the direction of energy transfer

what are longitudinal waves?

displacement occurs in the same direction that the wave travels

What is an example of a transverse wave?

water ripples

What is Diffraction?

the tendency of a wave to spread out in all directions