BTEC Applied Science Unit One Physics

Define the amplitude of a wave - Answer - The distance from the rest position to the top of the wave Define the period of a wave - Answer - The time taken for one wavelength to pass a point Define the frequency of a wave - Answer - The number of waves per second How many ms are in 1s? - Answer - 1000 Define coherent light - Answer - Coherent light has the same frequency/wavelength and is in phase Define a transverse wave - Answer - The oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of travel Define a longitudinal wave - Answer - The oscillations are parallel to the direction of travel How many radians are in 360 degrees? - Answer - 2 pi Define phase difference - Answer - Phase difference shows how much two waves are in line with each other. Measured in fractions or degrees What is constructive interference? - Answer - When two waves in phase add together to make a larger amplitude wave What is destructive interference? - Answer - When two waves in antiphase cancel each other out How do you make a standing wave? - Answer - A wave is transmitted along a string, reflects back and the two waves superimpose with each other What is coherent light? - Answer - light of the same wavelength that is in phase What is refraction? - Answer - When light charges from one media to another and charges angle and direction because it slows down What is total internal reflection? - Answer - When light reflects internally inside a piece of glass rather than refracting out because the angle of incidence is above the critical angle What is an emission