Wavelength definition
The distance between any point to the next identical point on that wave is called the wavelength
Wavelength symbol/units
Metres, Lambda (λ)
Wave fronts definition
A wavefront is a line joining points at the same position along the wave
Period definition
The time it takes an oscillation or a wave to repeat is called the period
Period symbol/units
Seconds, T
Why do we use frequency
For fast oscillation, the period is too small to measure so instead count the number of oscillations in one second
Frequency symbol/units
Hertz (Hz), f
Wave equation
c = f λ
What is c in waves
Wave speed
The speed of an EM wave
3 x 10^8
Is wave speed constant
Only in a vacuum
Amplitude definition
The maximum displacement from a crest/trough to the middle line
Does amplitude affect wave energy
Yes the bigger the amplitude, the more energy
Intensity definition
Energy per second per square metre of surface
Intensity symbol/units
Wm^-2, I
Intensity equation
I = Power of source / Surface area of sphere
I = P / 4πr^2
How are waves out of phase
Same wavelength and amplitude but not in step with each other
What is a phase difference of a cycle
2π radians
What is a cycle of a wave
A wavelength
Two waves in phase have a phase difference of..
0
Two waves in an antiphase have a phase difference of..
π
Are sound waves transverse or longitudinal
Longitudinal
Are EM waves transverse or longitudinal
Transverse
Visible lights wavelength
400-700 nm
