equilibrium position
resting point
Amplitude
maximum displacement from the rest position
period (P)
how long in seconds one cycle of vibration/ wavelength takes to complete
frequency (f)
number of vibrations/ wavelengths that move past a point per second
vibration
repetitive to and from motions
relationship of period (P) and frequency (f)
f = 1/T OR T = 1/f
Transverse pulse
when the particles of the medium move perpendicular with the propagation direction of the medium.
Pulse
single vibration travelling through a medium
wave
a series of pulses that propagate energy
transverse wave
direction of energy propagation (movement) is perpendicular to the movement of the particles of the medium
Two points in phase
points preforming the same movement at the same time
wavelength
this distance between two consecutive points that are in phase (measured in meter)
crest
upwards maximum displacement
trough
downward maximum displacement
formula for speed of a wave
V = f x wavelength OR V = wavelength/T
Superposition
when two or more waves meet and combine creating a larger amplitude which is the sum of the two waves.
Constructive interface
Combination of waves where two or more crests/ two or more troughs combine with one another causing increased amplitude
Destructive interface
Combination of waves where the crest of one wave overlaps trough of another, resulting in a wave with decreased amplitude.
interface pattern
obtained when two sets of waves are formed on the surface of a ripple tank
Longitudinal waves
Direction of propagation (movement) of energy is parallel to the motion of particles in a medium
