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IB 4 Waves Definitions
IB Physics definitions for Unit 4: Waves
18
Physics
12th Grade
01/21/2021

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Term
OSCILLATION
Definition
A repeated back and forth motion
Term
CYCLE
Definition
One complete oscillation
Term
DISPLACEMENT (x)
Definition
The distance of the oscillating object measured from its equilibrium position
Term
AMPLITUDE (x0)
Definition
The maximum displacement from the equilibrium position
Term
FREQUENCY (f)
Definition
The number of oscillations completed in a second
Term
HERTZ (Hz)
Definition
Unit of frequency. One oscillation in one second
Term
TIME PERIOD (T)
Definition
The time taken for an oscillation
Term
FORMULA CONNECTING TIME PERIOD AND FREQUENCY
Definition
[image]
Term
PHASE DIFFERENCE (φ)
Definition
Two oscillations which are not in step have a phase difference (expressed as an angle). A phase difference of one oscillation is 2π radians.
Term
RESTORING FORCE
Definition
The force directed towards the centre of the SHM which opposes the displacement at all times.
Term
SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
Definition
An oscillation in which the acceleration of a point is proportional to its displacement from equilibrium and is in the opposite direction.
Term
TRAVELLING WAVE
Definition
A cyclic disturbance moving away from a source and transferring energy.
Term
MECHANICAL WAVE
Definition
A wave that travels through a physical medium by oscillations of the particles. Its energy moves in the direction of the wave, but the particles move in a cycle.
Term
WAVELENGTH
Definition
The distance between consecutive points on the wave which are in step (ie in phase)
Term
WAVE SPEED
Definition
The speed of travel of the energy of the wave
Term
TRANSVERSE WAVE
Definition
Wave whose disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the energy of the wave.
Term
LONGITUDINAL WAVE
Definition
Wave whose disturbance is parallel to the direction of travel of the energy of the wave
Term
MEDIUM
Definition
The material in which the oscillations of a mechanical wave occur (eg sound in air; ripples on water). Electromagnetic waves require no medium.
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