Wave Physics and Electromagnetic Waves

Flashcards focusing on key concepts related to wave physics, electromagnetic waves, and sound wave properties.

Wave Speed Equation

v = wavelength × frequency, used to calculate the speed of a mechanical wave.

Inversely Proportional

Describes the relationship where an increase in one variable results in a decrease in another.

Speed of Light (c)

The speed at which all electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum, approximately 299,792,458 m/s.

Redshift

The phenomenon where light from an object moving away from the observer is stretched, resulting in a longer wavelength.

Blueshift

The phenomenon where light from an object moving towards the observer is compressed, resulting in a shorter wavelength.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves that consist of vibrating electric and magnetic fields and can propagate through a vacuum.

SONAR

A technology that uses sound waves to detect and locate underwater objects.

Longitudinal Waves

Waves where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation, such as sound waves.

Tsunami Causes

Natural events like earthquakes, asteroid strikes, ocean landslides, and underwater volcanoes that can generate tsunamis.

Factors Affecting Wave Speed

Includes tension in the string, mass per unit length, and the medium through which the wave travels.

Wave Height Controls

Wind strength and water depth influence the wave height as it approaches the shore.

Mechanical Waves

Waves that require a medium to travel, such as sound, water, and seismic waves.

Experiment Observations for Waves

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional.

Vibrating Charged Particles

They create oscillating electric and magnetic fields, leading to the formation of electromagnetic waves.

Wavelength of Visible Light

The range of wavelengths from 380 to 740 nm that our eyes can detect.

Wave Types

Classified as electromagnetic, which do not require a medium, and mechanical, which do.

Microwave Frequency Calculation

Using the formula frequency = speed of light / wavelength to calculate frequency in microwaves.