Progressive waves Flashcards – AQA A-level Physics (7408)

What is a progressive wave?

A travelling disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.

How do particles in a material medium move as a progressive wave passes?

They oscillate about their equilibrium positions; they do not travel along with the wave.

What is the amplitude of an oscillating particle?

Its maximum displacement from its equilibrium position.

What is the frequency of a wave?

The number of complete oscillations per unit time.

What is the period of a wave?

The time for one complete oscillation.

How are frequency $f$ and period $T$ related?

$f = \frac{1}{T}$

What is the wavelength of a wave?

The distance between successive points at the same stage of oscillation.

What is wave speed?

The distance travelled by the disturbance per unit time.

How far does a progressive wave travel in one period?

One wavelength.

How are wave speed $c$, frequency $f$ and wavelength $\lambda$ related?

$c = f\lambda$