A spectrum of waves - P1c - Flashcards in GCSE Science

Created by: iram_f
Created on: 24-09-14 17:28

What can happen to all waves and how do we work out wave speed?

All waves can be reflected, refracted and diffracted and we work out wave speed using the equation wave speed (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m).

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What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum includes radiowaves, microwaves, infrared radiation, light, ultraviolet, x-rays and gamma rays. The further up (toward gamma) you go, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency & the more energy the waves have.

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What are the features of transverse waves?

Amplitude, the maximum disturbance caused by the waves, frequency, the number of waves produced (or pass a particular point) in one second, and wavelength, the distance between corresponding points on 2 successive disturbances (e.g. crest to crest).

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What is diffraction?

Diffraction is the spreading out of a wave as a result of passing an obstacle or going through a gap. It is greatest when the wavelength of the wave is similar to the gap size.

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What happens to a wave as it passes from one medium to another?

As the wave passes through different densities, it will either speed up or slow down causing refraction (bending of waves at an angle). For instance, passing from air to Perspex will cause refraction - the incident and refracted ray will be the same.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

Card 3

Front

What are the features of transverse waves?

Back

Card 4

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Card 5

Front

What happens to a wave as it passes from one medium to another?

Back

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A spectrum of waves - P1c