unit2

Links

Notes on Parts of Waves

A better explanation of the traffic jam example for longitudinal waves

In response to Kit's question in Period 5 - how do cell phone jammers block waves?

Interference Models from class: Wave Interference 1, Wave Interference 2, Two source interference

A GREAT Standing Wave model - how does the interference create the standing wave?

Diffraction pattern - interactive model

Curriculum Outcomes

Based on the curriculum objectives for Physics 20 at this point in Unit Two you should be able to:

• Define the following terms:
  • wave, disturbance, medium, pulse, vibration, cycle, periodic motion, transverse vibration, longitudinal vibration, crest, trough, compression, rarefaction
• Give examples of periodic motion.

• Apply the correct units for period and frequency in problem solving and applications.
• Solve problems involving period, frequency, and wave motion.

• Explain that the universal wave equation applies to all types of waves.
• Apply the universal wave equation to various types of problems relating to waves.
• Explain that waves travel at a constant speed in a uniform medium.

• Define the following terms:
  • interference, constructive interference, destructive interference.
• State the Principle of Superposition.
• Predict the resulting wave pattern when two waves traveling in opposite directions meet at a given point.
• Illustrate constructive and destructive interference using diagrams, models, or computers.

• Define the following terms:
  • amplitude, fixed-end reflection, free-end reflection, partial reflection, boundary
    
    
    
• Explain that a change in medium or a change in the condition of a medium will usually result in a change in the speed of a wave passing through that medium.
• Suggest how the condition of a particular medium could be changed.
• Explain that the frequency of a wave depends on the source which produced it.
• Describe the changes in wavelength and speed that occur when waves travel from one medium to another.

• Define the following terms:
  • nodal lines (nodes), antinodes (loops), standing wave pattern, resonant frequency
• Explain that nodal points are located one-half of the wavelength of the interfering waves from one another.
• Explain standing wave interference patterns by relating them to an understanding of constructive and destructive interference.
• Explain that the fixed ends of a one dimensional standing wave pattern must always be nodal points.
• Explain that only certain resonant frequencies will produce standing wave interference patterns.

• Define the following terms:
  • angle of incidence, angle of reflection, normal, barrier, parabolic reflector, refraction, diffraction, nodal lines, anti-nodal lines
• State the laws of reflection.
• Explain how the laws of reflection apply to straight water waves reflecting from a straight barrier.
• Interpret the relationship between speed and wavelength for waves undergoing refraction.
• Apply problem solving techniques to the relationship between speed and wavelength for waves undergoing refraction.
• Describe the two conditions that would lead to a maximization of the degree of diffraction experienced by waves.