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Physics Year 13 > 2.1- Waves > Flashcards

2.1- Waves Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a wave?

A

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through a medium or space.

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2
Q

Define wavelength.

A

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave.

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3
Q

What is the formula for wave speed?

A

Wave speed (v) is calculated as v = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ).

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4
Q

True or False: Waves can only travel through solids.

A

False: Waves can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

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5
Q

What is frequency?

A

Frequency is the number of complete waves that pass a given point per second.

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6
Q

What is the unit of frequency?

A

The unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz).

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7
Q

What type of wave is a sound wave?

A

A sound wave is a longitudinal wave.

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8
Q

Define amplitude.

A

Amplitude is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from their rest position.

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9
Q

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

A

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.

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10
Q

What is a transverse wave?

A

A transverse wave is a wave where the oscillation is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

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11
Q

Give an example of a transverse wave.

A

Light waves are an example of transverse waves.

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12
Q

What is the principle of superposition?

A

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave displacement is the sum of the individual displacements.

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13
Q

Fill in the blank: The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately __________.

A

3.00 × 10^8 m/s.

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14
Q

What is refraction?

A

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

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15
Q

True or False: All waves can be reflected.

A

True: All waves can be reflected when they encounter a boundary.

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16
Q

What does it mean for a wave to be in phase?

A

Waves are in phase when their peaks and troughs align.

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17
Q

What is constructive interference?

A

Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine to produce a wave of greater amplitude.

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18
Q

What is destructive interference?

A

Destructive interference occurs when two waves combine to produce a wave of lower amplitude.

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19
Q

What is a standing wave?

A

A standing wave is a wave that appears to be stationary, formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

20
Q

What factors affect the speed of sound in air?

A

The speed of sound in air is affected by temperature, humidity, and pressure.

21
Q

Define period in terms of waves.

A

Period is the time taken for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point.

22
Q

What is the formula for calculating period?

A

Period (T) is calculated as T = 1/frequency (f).

23
Q

Fill in the blank: The Doppler effect describes the change in __________ of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

A

frequency.

24
Q

What is diffraction?

A

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.

25
Q

What is the critical angle in optics?

A

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs.

26
Q

What is the formula for calculating the critical angle?

A

The critical angle (θc) can be calculated using θc = sin⁻¹(n2/n1), where n is the refractive index.

27
Q

True or False: Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel.

A

False: Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

28
Q

What is polarization of waves?

A

Polarization is the orientation of the oscillations of a transverse wave, typically in light waves.

29
Q

What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

A

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel, while electromagnetic waves do not.

30
Q

What is the speed of sound in water?

A

The speed of sound in water is approximately 1500 m/s.

31
Q

Fill in the blank: The phenomenon where waves spread out after passing through a narrow opening is called __________.

A

diffraction.

32
Q

What is the relationship between energy and amplitude in waves?

A

The energy carried by a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude.

33
Q

What is a wavefront?

A

A wavefront is an imaginary surface representing points of a wave that oscillate in unison.

34
Q

What is the difference between a wave’s crest and trough?

A

The crest is the highest point of a wave, while the trough is the lowest point.

35
Q

What is the phenomenon of resonance?

A

Resonance occurs when an object is forced to vibrate at its natural frequency, resulting in increased amplitude.

36
Q

What are standing waves used for in musical instruments?

A

Standing waves are used to produce specific pitches in musical instruments.

37
Q

True or False: Light can be refracted and reflected.

A

True: Light can be refracted and reflected when it encounters different media.

38
Q

What is the wave-particle duality?

A

Wave-particle duality refers to the concept that light and matter exhibit properties of both waves and particles.

39
Q

What is the term for the maximum displacement in a wave?

A

The term is amplitude.

40
Q

Fill in the blank: The distance a wave travels in one complete cycle is known as the __________.

A

wavelength.

41
Q

What is the effect of temperature on the speed of sound?

A

As temperature increases, the speed of sound in air also increases.

42
Q

What is the relationship between the frequency of a wave and its energy?

A

Higher frequency waves carry more energy.

43
Q

What type of wave is represented by electromagnetic radiation?

A

Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves.

44
Q

What is the difference between constructive and destructive interference?

A

Constructive interference increases amplitude, while destructive interference decreases amplitude.

45
Q

What is the term for the speed of light in a vacuum?

A

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792,458 m/s.

Physics Year 13 (7 decks)

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