Progressive waves
10 flashcards to master this topic
Define wave motion.
Wave motion is the transfer of energy through a medium (or vacuum) due to vibrations, without the transfer of the medium itself.
Define 'displacement' in the context of wave motion.
Displacement is the distance of a point on a wave from its equilibrium position. It is a vector quantity.
Define 'amplitude' in the context of wave motion.
Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its equilibrium position. It represents the energy of the wave.
Define 'phase difference'.
Phase difference is the fraction of a cycle (expressed in radians or degrees) between two points on a wave, or between two waves.
Define 'period' and 'frequency'.
Period (T) is the time taken for one complete oscillation. Frequency (f) is the number of complete oscillations per unit time (usually seconds). They are related by: f = 1/T.
Define 'wavelength'.
Wavelength (λ) is the distance between two successive points in phase on a wave.
Describe how to use a CRO to determine the frequency and amplitude of a wave.
The time-base setting on the CRO allows you to measure the period (T) of the wave. Frequency is then calculated as f = 1/T. The y-gain setting allows you to measure the peak voltage, which is directly related to the wave's amplitude.
State the wave equation and define each term.
The wave equation is v = fλ, where v is the wave speed (m/s), f is the frequency (Hz), and λ is the wavelength (m).
How is intensity related to amplitude for a progressive wave?
Intensity is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude: Intensity ∝ (amplitude)². This means if amplitude doubles, intensity quadruples.
Define Intensity of a wave.
Intensity is defined as the power transmitted per unit area, where the area is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Intensity = Power/Area.
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