Physics - Waves and Electricity

Wavelength

The distance between a point on a wave and the same point on the next cycle of the wave

Amplitude

The magnitude of the maximum displacement reached by an oscillation in the wave

Period

Time taken for one complete oscillation at one point of the wave

Wave speed

The rate of movement of the wave

Frequency

Number of complete wave cycles per second

Longitudinal wave

PartIckes oscillate parallel to the propagation of the wave/direction of energy transfer

Transverse waves

Particles oscillate perpendicular to the propagation of the wave/direction of energy transfer

Principle of superposition

When two or more waves cross at a point, the displacement sat that point is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves

Interference

Whenever two or more waves combine to produce a resultant wave with a new amplitude

Constructive interference

.Happens when the resultant wave has a larger amplitude than any of the individual waves

Destructive interference

Happens when the resultant wave has a smaller amplitude than the individual ones

Coherence

Waves are said to be coherent if they have a constant phase difference/the same frequency

Path difference

The difference in distance travelled by two waves from their sources to the point where they meet

Phase difference

The measurement of the difference in the “stage” or position within their angles between two waves or points on a wave, often expressed in degrees or radians

Being in phase

Same speed and direction

Out of phase

Same speed but different direction

Anti phase

Not the same speed or direction. They fulfill neither requirement

Stationary Wave

Produced by the superposition of two waves of the same frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions

Plane Polarisation

Particle oscillations occur in a single plane perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation

Diffraction grating

A plate there on which there is a very large number of parallel close - spaced slits

Diffraction

Spreading out of waves when they pass through an obstruction