BASIC WAVE TERMS
This is a periodic back-and-forth motion that transmits energy.
wave
This is the change in direction of a wave when it hits a boundary.
reflection
The strength of a sound wave.
intensity
The main factor that affects the speed of sound in air.
temperature
The formula used to calculate wave speed.
speed = wavelength × frequency
The high points of a wave.
crests
Waves always bend toward a medium that does this to them.
slows them down
Sounds above the audible range.
ultrasonic sounds
Speeds below the speed of sound.
subsonic speeds
This formula tells you how many waves occur per second.
frequency = waves / time
The SI unit for frequency.
hertz
The spreading of waves after passing through a narrow opening.
diffraction
The change in frequency caused by motion of the sound source or listener.
the Doppler effect
The loud noise produced by a shock wave.
sonic boom
The unit for frequency expressed mathematically.
1/s (per second)
This wave measurement is the distance from any point on one wave to the corresponding point on the next wave.
wavelength (λ)
When two crests meet and combine, producing a larger wave.
constructive interference
Two pulses that make up a longitudinal wave.
compression and rarefaction
Electronic system that uses sound waves underwater to detect objects.
sonar
This formula tells you how long it takes for one wave cycle
period = time / waves
The maximum distance particles are displaced from rest also the wave’s height.
amplitude
Give the order through which sound would travel faster. Give the order from fastest to slowest. Water, air 38 degrees C and air 50 degrees C, and Metal
Metal
water
Air 50 degrees C
Air 38 degrees C
This type of motion is caused by a restoring force proportional to displacement.
simple harmonic motion
Bursting loudness caused when two frequencies interfere slightly differently.
beats
If a wave has a wavelength of 4 m and a frequency of 3 Hz, what is its speed?
12 m/s? (4 × 3 = 12)