Summary
Summary GCSE OCR Gateway Physics P5 Waves in Matter Definitions
Definitions for the 'P5: Waves in Matter' topic of the GCSE OCR Gateway Spec. Fully detailed, easy to understand & perfect definitions for use in the exams.
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
Content preview
P5 Waves in Matter Definitions:Amplitude- the maximum displacement of a wave from its undisturbed (equilibrium)
position.
Colour- the colour of an object is determined by which wavelengths of light reflect from it.
All other wavelengths are absorbed.
Concave lens- a lens that is thicker at the edges than in the centre. Parallel rays diverge
when passing through.
Convex lens- a lens that is thicker in the centre than at the edges. Parallel rays converge
when passing through.
Diffuse reflection- the reflection of a wave from a rough surface that results in the wave
being scattered.
Electromagnetic spectrum- a group of transverse waves that cover a large range of
frequencies and wavelengths. The highest frequency waves in the spectrum are gamma-rays
and the lowest are radio waves.
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.
Foetal scanning- a method of producing an image of a foetus in a womb through the
emission, reflection and detection of ultrasound waves.
Frequency- the number of waves passing a given point in a second. It is the inverse of the
wave’s time period.
Gamma rays- high energy radiation rays used for detecting and treating cancers, and
sterilising food and medical implements. They can cause cell damage and mutations.
Hertz (Hz)- the unit of frequency.
Infrared radiation- a type of radiation that all objects emit and absorb. The hotter an object
is, the greater the infrared radiation it emits in a given time.
Infrared- used for cooking food, thermal imaging and short range communications. It can
cause skin burns.
Law of reflection- the angle of incidence must always equal the angle of reflection when a
wave reflects.
Lens- an object that forms an image through the refraction of light.
Longitudinal waves- waves with oscillations that are parallel to the direction of
travel/energy transfer.
Microwaves- used for satellite communications and for cooking food. They can cause
internal heating of body cells.
Principal focus- the point before or after a lens where light rays appear to meet.
Radio waves- used for television and radio signals. They can be produced by
oscillations in electrical circuits, or can induce these oscillations themselves.
Real image- an image produced by light-rays physically converging. Real images are ones
that can be projected onto a screen.
Reflection- the bouncing back of a wave at a boundary.
Refraction- the changing of speed, and consequently the direction, of a wave as it changes
medium. The wavelength of the wave will also change but the frequency remains constant.
Seismic waves- waves that are produced by earthquakes.
Specular reflection- the reflection of a wave from a smooth surface.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller nidachoudhry. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £2.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
80189 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now