IB Physics Sub-topic C2 Definitions

This page contains our IB Physics definitions for sub-topic C2. By learning each one of these definitions, you will fully cover the content for IB Physics 'Wave models'.
Analyzer

It is a polarizer that detects the angle of polarization

Complete constructive interference

It is the interference of in phase waves leading to a summation into a larger amplitude wave

Complete destructive interference

It is the interference of out of phase waves leading to a summation into a zero amplitude wave

compression

It is an area of high particle density in a longitudinal wave

Constructive interference

It is interference that increases the displacement of both waves

Destructive interference

It is interference that decreases the displacement of both waves

electromagnetic wave

It is a transverse wave with an electrical and magnetic component

In phase waves

These are waves with a phase difference of zero or path difference of nλ

Intensity

It is the energy per unit area

Interference

It is the superposition of two waves of the same type when they come together

longitudinal wave

It is a travelling wave where the oscillation is parallel to the direction of energy transfer

Out of phase waves

These are waves with a phase difference of 180° or path difference of (n+1/2)λ

Plane of vibration

It is the plane of the electric field of an electromagnetic wave and the direction of wave propagation

Plane-polarized light

It is light with a fixed plane of vibration

Polarizer

It is a device that transforms unpolarized light into plane-polarized light

rarefaction

It is an area of low particle density in a longitudinal wave

ray

It represents the direction of travel of wave energy

transverse wave

It is a travelling wave where the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

travelling wave

It is an oscillating wave that transfers energy through a medium via the movement of particles in the direction of the wave at a constant speed

Unpolarized light

It is light with a randomly varying plane of vibration

Wave pulse

It is a non-sinusoidal disturbance of a medium that propagates as a half of a wave

Wavefront

It represents the moving together of oscillation points

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