Properties of Sound Waves and Light

This flashcard set covers essential vocabulary related to sound waves and light properties, which are fundamental concepts in the study of physics.

Sound Intensity

The measure of the energy carried by sound waves per unit area in a direction perpendicular to that area.

Frequency

The number of vibrations or cycles a sound wave makes in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Wavelength

The distance covered by one complete cycle of a wave.

Amplitude

The maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.

Ultrasonic Waves

Sound waves with frequencies higher than 20 kHz, which are not audible to humans.

Resonance

The phenomenon that occurs when a system is driven at its natural frequency, leading to an increase in amplitude.

Transverse Waves

Waves in which the medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves in which the medium moves in the same direction as the wave.

Transparent Medium

A material that allows light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen.

Opaq Medium

A material that does not allow light to pass through.

Photoelectric Effect

The emission of electrons from a material when it absorbs light.

Critical Angle

The angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another of different density.

Reflection

The bouncing back of light rays when they hit a surface.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum.

Intensity of Sound

The power per unit area carried by a sound wave.

Seismic Waves

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, typically produced by geological phenomena.

Cyclic Frequency

The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time.

Decibel (dB)

A unit that measures the intensity of sound.

Sound Source

The origin point of the sound waves.