Waves and vibration

What is periodic motion?

A movement that reproduces itself identically after equal time intervals.

What is the period of motion denoted by?

The constant time intervals are denoted by T.

In the SI system, how is period T measured?

In seconds (s).

What do we call the movement during one period?

A cycle.

How is frequency 'f' defined?

The number of cycles/oscillations/vibrations during one second.

What is the SI unit of frequency?

Hertz (Hz).

What is the relationship between period T and frequency f?

T = 1/f or f = 1/T.

What characterizes an oscillation or vibration?

Its period, frequency, and amplitude.

What is amplitude in the context of vibrations?

The maximum deviation from the equilibrium position.

What are waves in physics?

A set of disturbances or deformations that propagate, carrying energy but not matter.

What are mechanical waves?

Waves that need a material medium to propagate through.

Give an example of an electromagnetic wave.

Light, radio waves, X-rays.

What speed do all electromagnetic waves propagate at in a vacuum?

c = 3 × 10^8 m/s, known as the speed of light.

How do the particles of the medium vibrate in longitudinal waves?

Parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

How do particles of the medium vibrate in transverse waves?

Perpendicularly to the direction of wave propagation.

What are the highest points on a transverse wave called?

Crests.

What do we call the lowest points on a transverse wave?

Troughs.

What is a compression in a longitudinal wave?

Regions where the particles are close together.

What is a rarefaction in a longitudinal wave?

Regions where the particles are further apart.