Flashcards: Mechanical Waves — 11 cards

What is a progressive wave?

A phenomenon from propagation of identical disturbances emitted regularly by a source.

Progressive wave Definition

Series of identical disturbances from a source.

What is the formula relating wavelength $\lambda$, period $T$, speed $V$, and frequency $N$?

$\lambda = T V = \frac{V}{N}$

Wavelength Formula

λ = T V = V / N.

What is a wavefront in wave propagation?

The wavefront is the most advanced disturbance created by the source.

Wavefront

Most advanced disturbance created by the source.

How does a transverse wave differ from a longitudinal wave?

A transverse wave propagates perpendicular to deformation, a longitudinal wave propagates parallel.

Wavefront phase conditions

Crest: source phase=0; Trough: phase=π.

Wave types

Transverse: perpendicular; Longitudinal: parallel.

Source equation

y_S(t)=a*sin(ωt+φ_S), φ_S=0 or π.

Point displacement delay

y_M(t,x)=a*sin(ωt-2πx/λ+φ_S).