Physics Wave

Frequency

The number of cycles (revolutions, oscillations, etc.) per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Period (T)

The time taken for one complete cycle, calculated as T = 1/f.

Uniform Circular Motion

Motion in a circular path at constant speed, with changing velocity due to direction change.

Centripetal Acceleration (a_c)

Acceleration directed toward the center of the circular path.

Tangential Speed (v)

The linear speed of an object moving in a circular path, dependent on radius and period.

Centripetal acceleration formula

a_c = v²/r, relating acceleration to linear speed and radius.

Tangential speed formula

v = 2πr/T, relating tangential speed to radius and period.

Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation

F = G(m1m2)/r², describes the gravitational force between two masses.

Escape Velocity

The minimum speed needed for an object to break free from a planet's gravitational field.

Wavelength (λ)

Distance between consecutive crests or troughs in a wave.

Amplitude

Half the vertical distance from crest to trough in a wave.

Wave Speed (v)

The speed of a wave, related by the equation v = fλ.

Transverse Waves

Waves where particles move perpendicular to wave motion (e.g., light waves).

Longitudinal Waves

Waves where particles move parallel to wave motion (e.g., sound waves).

Reflection

The phenomenon of waves bouncing off a surface.

Refraction

The bending of waves due to a speed change when moving between different media.

Diffraction

The spreading of waves around obstacles.

Gravitational Force and Distance Relation

If the distance between two objects is halved, the gravitational force increases by a factor of four.

Strongest Gravitational Attraction

Occurs at perihelion, when Earth is closest to the Sun.

Wave Interaction Types

Reflection, refraction, and diffraction; each describes a different behavior of waves.

Wave Speed Calculation

If a wave has a wavelength of 2 meters and frequency of 5 Hz, its speed is calculated as v = fλ.

Amplitude Calculation

If the vertical distance from crest to trough of a wave is 6 meters, its amplitude is 3 meters.