waves definitions

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17 Terms

1
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the maximium displacement of a wave from its undisturbed equilibrium position
amplitude
2
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the angle of incidence beyond which all the wave is totally internally reflected when it meets a boundary
critical angle?
3
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the change in a wave’s observed wavelength and frequency when there is a relative motion between its source and an observer
doppler’s effect?
4
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the reflection of a wave from a rough surface that results in the wave being scattered
diffuse reflection?
5
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a group of transverse waves that cover a large range of frequencies and wavelengths. the highest frequency waves in the spectrum are gamma-rays and the lowest are radio waves
EM spectrum
6
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the number of waves passing a given point in a second. it is the inverse of the wave’s time period.
frequency
7
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the angle of incidence must always equal the angle of reflection when a wave reflects.
law of reflection ?
8
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waves with oscillations that are parallel to the direction energy transfer
longitudinal waves?
9
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a device used to display the waveform of a signal. shows how the voltage of the electrical signal varies with time.
oscilloscope
10
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a visual representation of the path of a wave, usually around the point where it meets a boundary.

rays are usually drawn as straight lines with an arrow pointing in their direction of travel.
ray diagram
11
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the bouncing back of a wave at a boundary
reflection?
12
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the changing of speed and direction, of a wave as it changes medium.

the wavelength of the wave will also change but the frequency remains constant.
refraction?
13
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the ratio of the speed of the wave in a vacuum to the speed of the wave in a given medium.
refractive index
14
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the process of all a wave being reflected when it meets a boundary. it occurs when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, and only when going from a higher refractive index to a lower one.
total internal reflection?
15
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waves with oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of travel/ energy transfers.
transverse waves
16
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an imaginary surface representing points of a wave that are at the same point in their cycle
wavefront?
17
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the distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the adjacent wave
wavelength