~Waves and Sound~

What is a wave?

A wave is produced by a disturbance that causes a vibration.

What must be done to create a vibration?

Work must be done (force over a distance).

What is a mechanical wave?

Transfer of energy through a medium due to vibration.

What is a medium?

The material the wave travels through (solid, liquid, gas).

What do mechanical waves require to propagate?

Mechanical waves require a medium.

How do particles in mechanical waves behave?

Energy moves while particles only vibrate.

What are some examples of mechanical waves?

Sound, water waves, waves on a string.

What do electromagnetic waves not require?

Electromagnetic waves do not need a medium.

What creates electromagnetic waves?

Electromagnetic waves are created by accelerating charges.

How is amplitude defined?

Amplitude (A) is the max displacement from equilibrium.

What is frequency?

Frequency (f) is cycles per second.

What is the relationship between frequency and period?

The period (T) is the time for one cycle, with the formulas f = 1 / T and T = 1 / f.

What determines how efficiently a vibration travels through a medium?

The strength of the intermolecular forces.

What is Simple Harmonic Motion?

Motion that repeats itself at regular intervals without losing energy as heat.

What happens in Damped Harmonic Motion?

Amplitude and energy decrease over time due to heat, friction, or air resistance.

What affects the effectiveness of a medium to transmit vibrations?

Molecular structure, density, and temperature.

What is elasticity in the context of a medium?

Elasticity is the ability of a medium to return to its original shape after being disturbed.

What is the relationship between density and wave speed in a medium?

Higher density means particles are harder to accelerate, resulting in slower wave speed.

What is the formula to calculate wave speed?

v = fλ, where v is wave speed, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength.

What does the Mach number compare?

The Mach number compares the speed of an object to the speed of sound.

What occurs when the Mach number is greater than or equal to 1?

A sonic boom occurs when compressions and rarefactions add together, creating a shock wave.

What is the principle of superposition?

The resulting amplitude is the sum of individual amplitudes.

What creates standing waves?

Standing waves are produced when incoming and reflected waves interfere with each other.