Booklet 2B - Waves (Equations)

Question 1

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 1

T - period (s)

f - frequency (Hz)

Question 2

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 2

v - speed (ms^-1)

f - frequency (Hz)

λ - wavelength (m)

Question 3

(Define symbols and units)

To what does each equation apply?

Answer 3

path difference (m)

m - order of maximum/minimum (no unit)

λ - wavelength (m)

mλ - applies to maxima

(m+½)λ - applies to minima

Question 4

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 4

d - slit spacing (m)

θ - angle to maximum (°)

m - order of maximum (no unit)

λ - wavelength (m)

Question 5

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 5

n - refractive index (no unit)

θ₁ - angle in medium 1/air/vacuum (°)

θ₁ - angle in medium 2 (°)

Question 6

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 6

θ₁ - angle in medium 1/air/vacuum (°)

θ₂ - angle in medium 2 (°)

λ₁ - wavelength in medium 1/air/vacuum (m)

λ₂ - wavelength in medium 2 (m)

v₁ - speed in medium 1/air/vacuum (ms^-1)

v₂ - speed in medium 2 (ms^-1)

Question 7

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 7

θ_c - Critical Angle (°)

n - refractive index (no unit)

Question 8

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 8

I - Irradiance (Wm^-2)

k - constant

d - distance from source (m)

Question 9

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 9

I - Irradiance (Wm^-2)

P - Power (W)

A - Area (m²)

Question 10

(Define symbols and units)

Answer 10

E₂ - upper energy level (J)

E₁ - lower energy level (J)

h - Planck’s constant (see data sheet - J s)

f - photon frequency (Hz)