3b-Properties of waves Flashcards
What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?A:
Longitudinal waves:
Particles oscillate parallel to the wave direction. Example: Sound waves.
What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?A:
Transverse waves
: Particles oscillate perpendicular to the wave direction. Example: Light waves, water waves.
key properties of wave
Amplitude:
The maximum displacement from the rest position (determines energy/loudness).
key properties of wave
Wavefront:
A surface representing points on a wave in phase (e.g., crests of water waves).
key properties of wave
Frequency (f):
The number of waves passing a point per second (measured in hertz, Hz).
key properties of wave
Wavelength (λ):
The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs (measured in metres, m).
key properties of wave
Period (T):
The time taken for one complete wave cycle (measured in seconds, s).
Q: How do waves transfer energy and information?
Waves transfer energy and information without transferring matter. The particles oscillate but do not move with the wave.
Example:
Sound waves carry information in the form of vibrations.
Radio waves transmit signals in communication systems.
How can you use frequency and wavespeed equation for
Sound waves:
Used to calculate pitch (high frequency = high pitch).
How can you use frequency and wavespeed equation for
Electromagnetic waves:
Used to determine wavelength from known frequency values.
What is the Doppler effect?
A: The Doppler effect occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, changing the observed frequency and wavelength.
How does the Doppler effect change the frequency and wavelength?
Moving towards observer:
Moving away from observer: Frequency decreases, wavelength increases (lower pitch).
Example: The change in pitch of a siren as an ambulance passes by.
How does the Doppler effect change the frequency and wavelength?
Moving away from observer:
Moving away from observer: Frequency decreases, wavelength increases (lower pitch).
Example: The change in pitch of a siren as an ambulance passes by.
What is wave reflection?
A: Reflection occurs when a wave bounces off a surface. The angle of incidence = angle of reflection.
What is wave refraction?
A: Refraction occurs when a wave changes direction as it enters a new medium due to a change in speed.
Examples:
Light reflecting off a mirror.
Water waves bending when entering shallower water.
Investigating Wave Properties
Measuring Wave Speed in Water (Ripple Tank Experiment)
.
Method: Generate ripples, measure wavelength and frequency, use .
Observation: Longer wavelengths result in lower frequency for the same speed.
Investigating Wave Properties
Investigating Sound Waves Using a Tuning Fork
Method: Strike a tuning fork and measure the wavelength of sound using a microphone and oscilloscope.
Observation: Higher frequency forks produce shorter wavelengths
