Wavelength, Frequency, Static and Current Electricity

These flashcards cover key concepts related to wavelength, frequency, static and current electricity, including definitions and essential facts.

Wavelength

Horizontal distance between the crests or between the troughs of two adjacent waves.

Frequency

The number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a given time (for example, per second).

Hertz (Hz)

The unit of frequency; one Hertz is one cycle per second.

λ (Lambda)

Symbol for wavelength.

Trough

The lowest point of a transverse wave.

Velocity

Speed of the wave.

Transverse Wave

A wave that moves the medium in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the wave travels.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave where the movement of the medium is parallel to the direction of the wave, for example, sound waves.

Speed of Light

The speed at which light travels in a vacuum, approximately 3.00 imes 10^8 ext{ m/s}.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The complete range of electromagnetic waves placed in order of increasing frequency.

X-ray

An electromagnetic wave used to detect broken bones.

FM Radio Waves

Electromagnetic waves that have a radio frequency between 88 to 108 megahertz.

Microwaves

Used in cellphones, cooking, and radar.

Light Reflection

The process of light bouncing off a substance.

Law of Reflection

The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Diffuse Reflection

The reflection of waves in many directions from a rough surface.

Pinna

The visible part of the ear.

Speed of Sound in Air

Approximately 340 ext{ m/s}.

Eardrum

A thin membrane that marks the beginning of the middle ear; sound waves cause it to vibrate.

Ossicles of Middle Ear

The three small bones: malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).

Cochlea

A coiled, bony, fluid-filled tube in the inner ear; sound waves traveling through the cochlear fluid trigger nerve impulses.

Static Electricity

Occurs when two surfaces rub against each other and electrons are rubbed off one surface and onto another.

Battery

A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

Ammeter

A device used to measure current in a circuit, placed in series.

Voltmeter

A device used to measure voltage or electrical potential energy difference.

Ohm's Law

Expressed as V = IR; it defines the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance.

Current

A flow of electric charge.

Resistance

A material's opposition to the flow of electric current.

Conductors

Materials through which electric charges can easily flow.

Insulators

Materials through which electric charges do not move easily.

Parallel Circuit

In this circuit type, current is different on each arm and voltage is the same across all branches.

Series Circuit

In this circuit type, the current is the same everywhere.