waves in physics
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21 Terms
Amplitude
The maximum displacement of a wave from its undisturbed (equilibrium) position.
Angle of Incidence
The angle between the incident ray and normal.
Angle of Reflection
The angle between the reflected ray and normal.
Electromagnetic Waves
Transverse waves that transfer energy from the source of the waves, to an absorber. They form a continuous spectrum of different frequencies and all travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
Foetal Scanning (Separate Science)
A method of producing an image of a foetus in a womb through the emission, reflection and detection of ultrasound waves.
Frequency
The number of waves passing a given point in a second. It is the inverse of the wave's time period.
Hertz
The unit of frequency.
Infrasound (Separate Science)
Sound waves that have a frequency lower than the lower limit of human hearing (20Hz).
Law of Reflection
The angle of incidence must always equal the angle of reflection when a wave reflects.
Longitudinal Waves
Waves with oscillations that are parallel to the direction of travel/energy transfer.
Reflection
The bouncing back of a wave at a boundary.
Refraction
The changing of speed, and consequently the direction, of a wave as it changes medium. The wavelength of the wave will also change but the frequency remains constant.
Seismic Waves
Waves that are produced by earthquakes.
Sonar (Separate Science)
A method of determining distances in water using the emission, reflection and detection of ultrasound waves.
Time Period
The time it takes for one complete wave to pass a given point. It is the inverse of frequency.
Transverse Waves
Waves with oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of travel/energy transfer.
Ultrasound Waves (Separate Science)
Waves that have a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing (20kHz).
Wave Velocity
The velocity at which energy is transferred through the medium. It is equal to the product of the wave's wavelength and frequency.
Wave
A process of energy transfer through oscillations, without medium being transferred with it.
Wavefront
An imaginary surface representing points of a wave that are at the same point in their cycle.
Wavelength
The distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the adjacent wave (i.e. peak to peak or trough to trough).