Waves

Transverse Wave

A wave where particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.

Longitudinal Wave

A wave where particles move parallel to the direction of wave motion.

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive compressions or rarefactions in a longitudinal wave.

Frequency

The number of oscillations a point on a wave undergoes per unit time.

Mechanical Waves

Waves that require a medium for propagation, involving atoms/molecules for energy transfer.

Electromagnetic Waves

Waves consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that do not need a medium for propagation.

Period

The time taken for a point on a wave to complete one oscillation.

Speed of Waves

Waves travel at a constant speed unless the medium changes, with speed related to wavelength and frequency.

Reflection

Waves bouncing off a boundary back into the original medium.

Interference

The combination of two or more waves occupying the same space, leading to constructive or destructive interference.

Resonance

Resonance happens when the frequency of the initial object's vibration matches the resonant frequency causing an increase in amplitude

Diffraction

Waves bending around objects, providing evidence of wave-like behavior of light.

Photoelectric Effect

Electrons ejected from materials upon absorbing electromagnetic radiation, indicating the particle-like behavior of light.

When refracted ray goes towards the normal

The ray slows down when entering another medium

When refracted ray goes away from normal

The ray speeds up when entering another medium

Incident wave

The original wave that moves towards the boundary between two objects