Year 10 Combined Science: Physics Unit 2 - Waves

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering wave properties, types of waves, mathematical equations for wave speed, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the principles of refraction as detailed in the Year 10 Physics Unit 2 notes.

Wave period

The time taken for a single wave to pass a given point, measured in seconds.

Longitudinal wave

A wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to (in the direction of) the energy transfer.

Transverse wave

A wave in which the vibrations move at right angles to the direction of the energy transfer.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its undisturbed position; the height from the middle to the top.

Wavelength

The distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave (e.g., peak to peak).

Peak or Crest

The top of a wave.

Trough

The bottom of a wave.

Frequency

The number of waves passing a point each second, measured in Hertz ($Hz$).

Wave Period Equation

$$\text{Wave period} = \frac{1}{\text{Frequency}}$$

Wave Velocity Equation 1

$v = f \times \text{λ}$ where $v$ is wave velocity ($m/s$), $f$ is frequency ($Hz$), and $\text{λ}$ is wavelength ($m$).

Wave Velocity Equation 2

$$\text{Wave velocity} = \frac{\text{Displacement (m)}}{\text{Time (s)}}$$

Electromagnetic waves

Transverse waves that transfer energy from the source to an absorber and travel at $3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$ in a vacuum.

Elector magnetic spectrum (the phrase)

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Electro magnetic spectrum

Radiowaves , Microwaves, Infared , Visible light , Ultraviolet , Xray , Gamma ray

Refraction

The bending of a wave as it changes direction due to a change in speed when crossing a boundary between different materials.

Normal

An invisible line that is perpendicular ($90^\text{o}$) to the surface that a wave is hitting.

Induce

To bring about a change, such as radio waves causing electrons in a receiver to oscillate and create an alternating current.

Oscillations

Movement back and forth in a regular rhythm.

Absorption

When a wave transfers energy to a material's energy store (often thermal), leading to heating.

Transmission

When a wave continues traveling through a material after hitting a boundary.

Reflection

When a wave bounces back from a material instead of being transmitted or absorbed.