C.2 Wave modelIB Physics HL: Flashcards

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Transverse wave?

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Transverse wave?: Oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
Longitudinal wave?: Oscillations parallel to the direction of energy transfer, forming compressions and rarefactions.
Wave equation?: v = fλ = λ/T.
What determines wave speed and what determines frequency?: Speed: the medium. Frequency: the source.
Define wavelength.: Distance between adjacent points oscillating in phase.
What kind of wave is sound?: A longitudinal mechanical wave.
Why can't sound travel through a vacuum?: It needs particles of a medium to pass on the oscillation.
Why is sound faster in solids than in gases?: Particles are closely packed and strongly bonded, so disturbances pass on faster.
What oscillates in an electromagnetic wave?: Electric and magnetic fields, perpendicular to each other and to the direction of travel.
Speed of EM waves in a vacuum?: c = 3.00 × 10⁸ m s⁻¹.
Order of the EM spectrum by increasing frequency?: Radio, microwave, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma.
Can EM waves be longitudinal?: No: they are always transverse.
Give one example each of a transverse and a longitudinal mechanical wave.: Transverse: wave on a string / S-wave. Longitudinal: sound / P-wave.