Physics Unit 09: Behavior of Waves Flashcards

Front

Diffraction

Back

The bending of a wave around a small obstacle and the formation of new wave fronts as it expands outward from a small opening.

Front

Doppler effect

Back

The phenomenon where the frequency of a sound is perceived as higher when the source moves toward an observer and lower after passing the observer.

Front

Focal point

Back

The point where all light rays passing through a converging lens are directed toward a single point.

Front

Malus’s Law

Back

A calculation that describes the polarizing properties of transverse waves, such as light.

Front

Polarization

Back

A characteristic of transverse waves where oscillations occur in a specific direction perpendicular to the wave's path.

Front

Reflection

Back

The change in direction of a wave after interacting with a boundary.

Front

Refraction

Back

The change in direction of a wave as it moves from one medium to another.

Front

Standing wave

Back

A wave produced when two waves of identical frequency and amplitude moving toward one another interfere, creating nodes and antinodes.

Front

Superposition

Back

When two identical waves in phase interact, producing a wave equal to the sum of both waves during interference.

Front

Amplitude

Back

The maximum vertical displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position.