Waves in Air, Fluids, and Solids

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to waves in air, fluids, and solids.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.

Wavelength

The distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough.

Longitudinal wave

A wave in which the displacement of the medium is in the same direction as the wave travels.

Compression

A region where particles are close together in a longitudinal wave.

Rarefaction

A region where particles are spread apart in a longitudinal wave.

Period of a wave

The duration of time it takes for one complete cycle of a wave to pass a given point.

Frequency (f)

The number of cycles of a wave that pass a point per unit time, often measured in Hertz (Hz).

Velocity of a wave

The speed at which a wave travels through a medium, calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength.

Formula for frequency (f)

The formula given by T = 1/f, where T is the period.

Velocity calculation formula

The formula for calculating the velocity of a wave is v = f * λ, where v is velocity, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength.