pulse
Definition
Pulse is the rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery caused by the beating of the heart. The pulse rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute.
The pulse is caused by the blood flowing through the arteries. When the heart beats, it pumps blood into the arteries. This causes the arteries to expand. As the blood flows out of the arteries, the arteries contract. The expansion and contraction of the arteries can be felt as a pulse.
The pulse rate can be measured by placing your fingers on an artery, such as the radial artery in the wrist or the carotid artery in the neck. You can count the number of beats you feel in one minute to determine the pulse rate.
The normal pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, the pulse rate can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, activity level, and medication. For example, children typically have a faster pulse rate than adults. Athletes also tend to have a lower pulse rate than sedentary people.
A rapid pulse rate (tachycardia) or a slow pulse rate (bradycardia) can be a sign of a medical condition. If you have a pulse rate that is outside the normal range, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical problems.
How can the word be used?
I can feel my pulse beating in my neck.
Different forms of the word
Noun: a regular, rhythmical throbbing or beating, as of the heart or arteries.
Verb: to throb or beat regularly and rhythmically.
Etymology
The word "pulse" comes from the Latin word "pulsus", which means "a striking or beating".
The first recorded use of the word "pulse" in English was in the 13th century.
Question
How do you measure your pulse?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the concept of a pulse in the context of waves and provide an example of how it is observed in everyday life.
Answer:
In the realm of waves, a pulse refers to a single disturbance or vibration that travels through a medium. It carries energy without a continuous flow of material. Think of it as a brief, localised wave that moves through a medium and then dissipates.
A relatable example of a pulse can be observed in the behaviour of a stretched rope. Imagine holding one end of a rope and giving it a quick shake. This action sends a pulse through the rope, causing it to create a single wave that travels to the other end. The energy from your initial shake is transferred to the rope, propelling the pulse forward. As it progresses, the pulse gradually loses energy, and the rope returns to its initial state.
In everyday life, we often encounter pulses in the form of sound waves. When you clap your hands, a sound pulse is created. This pulse travels through the air as a sound wave, which is essentially a series of compressed and rarefied air regions. This phenomenon is why you hear the sound a short while after clapping, as the pulse takes time to propagate through the air to your ears.