IB Physics C2 Definitions
This page contains our IB Physics definitions for 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
Next Up
You have completed the topic 3 definitions for IB Physics - continue with related resources below or explore the full IB Physics course from the IBO.
Other topic 3 resources