Ch 15 Waves: Definitions

15.1


mechanical wave: a disturbance that travels through some material or substance
medium: some material or substance through which a mechanical wave travels

transverse = perpendicular

transverse waves: displacement of the medium are transverse to the direction of travel of the wave along the medium

longitudinal wave: displacement of the medium is in the same direction that the wave travels

propagates = travels
waves speed: speed of propagation; v

Mechanical waves:

1. propagates with a definite speed through medium
2. do not cause medium itself travel through space
3. must have energy added to system to be set in motion

15.2

wave pulse: single instance (wiggle) of a wave

periodic = repetitive

periodic wave: medium goes through periodic motion as the wave propagates

simple harmonic motion (SHM)

amplitude; A

frequency; f

angular frequency; ω = 2πf

period; T = 1/f = 2π/ω

sinusoidal waves: periodic waves with simple harmonic motion

wavelength: the distance from one crest to the next crest, or one trough to the next trough, or the from any point to the corresponding point on the next repetition of the wave shape; λ

wave function:

wave number:

phase:

wave equation:

intensity

interference:

boundary condition:

principle of superposition:

node:

antinode:

standing wave:

traveling wave:

destructive interference:

constructive interference:

fundamental frequency:

harmonics:

harmonic series:

overtone:

normal mode:

harmonic content: