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Contains definitions on the waves topic. Most definitions are from the textbook. All the flashcards are for chapter 7 in the textbook (No superposition)
Define displacement
The distance of a point on the wave from its undisturbed/ equilibrium position.
Define amplitude
The amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave.
Define phase difference
The difference in the phases of two oscillating particles, measured in degrees or radians.
Define period
The time taken to make one complete oscillation.
Define frequency
The number of oscillations per unit time of a point in a wave.
Define wavelength
The distance between two adjacent points on a wave oscillating in step with each other.
OR the distance between two adjacent wavefronts.
Define speed
The distance travelled by a wave per unit time.
What is the formula linking intensity, power, and area
Intensity = Power / Area
What is the relationship between intensity and amplitude
Intensity is proportional to (amplitude)²
What is the range of wavelengths of radio waves in metres?
Just above 106 to 0.1
What is the range of wavelengths of microwaves in metres?
10-1 to 10-3
What is the range of wavelengths of infrared in metres?
10-3 to 7x10-7
What is the range of wavelengths of visible light in metres?
7x10-7 (red) to 4x10-7 (violet)
What is the range of wavelengths of UV in metres?
4x10-7 to 10-8
What is the range of wavelengths of X-Rays in metres?
10-8 to 10-13
What is the range of wavelengths of gamma waves in metres?
10-10 to 10-16
What is the principle of superposition
When (two) waves meet/overlap, the resultant displacement is the sum of the displacements of each wave.
Define coherence
When there is a constant phase difference (between waves/ wavefronts)
Define interference
It is the sum of displacements of overlapping waves.
Describe the diffraction of light waves. [2 marks]
When waves are incident on a slit/gap/edge of an obstacle,
they spread out into a geometrical shadow.
