Physics Waves - Definitions
Amplitude: The maximum displacement of a wave from its undisturbed
(equilibrium) position.
Angle of Incidence: The angle between the incident ray and normal.
Angle of Reflection: The angle between the reflected ray and normal.
Black: An object will appear black if it absorbs all wavelengths of radiation
incident on it.
Colour Filters: Filters that absorb certain wavelengths (colours) and transmit
others. A blue filter for example will absorb all wavelengths other than those in
the
blue region of the colour spectrum.
Colour: Colour is determined by frequency and wavelength.
*Constant Temperature: A body remains at a constant temperature if it is
absorbing radiation at the same rate that it is emitting it.
Convex Lens: A lens that brings parallel rays to focus at the principal focus.The
image formed can be either real or virtual.
Diffuse Reflection: Reflection from a rough surface that results in scattering.
*Echo Sounding: A technique that uses high frequency sound waves to
detect objects in deep water and to measure the depth of water.
Electromagnetic Waves: Transverse waves that transfer energy from the source
of the waves, to an absorber. They form a continuous spectrum of different
frequencies and all travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
Focal Length: The distance between the centre of a lens and its principal focus.
