physics waves Y10

transverse wave

a wave that moves in a direction at right angles to the way in which the particles are vibrating

longitudinal wave

a wave that moves in a direction in parallel to the way in which the particles are vibrating

period

how long it takes for a wave to pass a point

frequency

the number of complete wavelengths that pass a point in a second or other specified time

longitudinal waves contain

compressions + rarefactions

wavelength

horizontal distance between the crests or between the troughs of two adjacent waves / between compressions and rarefactions

amplitude

for a wave or vibration, the maximum displacement on either side of the equilibrium (midpoint) position. basically wave height

The Wave Equation

Wave speed(m/s)(v)= Frequency(hz)(f) * wavelength(m)(λ)

mirror image is described as:

• virtual

• same size

• horizontally flipped (y axis) / laterally inverted

refraction

The bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another

absorption

energy being transferred from the wave into the particles of the substance

transmission

the passage of light through an object

seismic waves

vibrations that travel through Earth carrying the energy released during an earthquake