General Properties of Waves - IGCSE Physics

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to the general properties of waves in physics.

Wave

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another without transferring matter.

Wavelength (λ)

The distance from one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave, typically measured in metres.

Frequency (f)

The number of waves passing a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Amplitude (A)

The maximum displacement from the undisturbed position to the peak or trough of a wave.

Transverse Wave

Waves where the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation.

Longitudinal Wave

Waves where the direction of vibration is parallel to the direction of propagation.

Wave Speed (v)

The distance travelled by a wave each second, calculated using the formula v = f × λ.

Reflection

The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a boundary between two media.

Refraction

The change in direction of a wave when it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Diffraction

The spreading out of waves when they pass through a narrow gap.

Crest

The highest point on a wave above the equilibrium position.

Trough

The lowest point on a wave below the equilibrium position.

Compression

Regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are close together.

Rarefaction

Regions in a longitudinal wave where particles are spaced apart.

Wavefront

A representation of a wave that shows the direction of wave propagation.

Normal

An imaginary line perpendicular to the boundary between two media used for measuring angles of incidence and reflection.