CH9: General Wave Properties I: Introduction

Question 1

define wave

Answer 1

a disturbance that propagates through space.
the source of wave is a vibration.

Question 2

how is energy transferred through waves?

Answer 2

the particles in the medium displaces about their fixed position due to vibrations.

Question 3

define transverse waves

Answer 3

waves that has the direction of vibration that is perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Question 4

examples of transverse waves

Answer 4

light rays, water waves, vibrating guitar string when plucked

Question 5

define longitudinal waves

Answer 5

waves that have a direction of vibration that is parallel to the direction of wave travel

Question 6

examples of longitudinal waves

Answer 6

sound waves, certain waves of earthquakes

Question 7

define frequency

Answer 7

number of oscillations each point on the wave completes per second

Question 8

formula and SI unit for frequency

Answer 8

f = 1/t
SI unit: hertz (Hz)

Question 9

define wavelength

Answer 9

shortest distance between two successive crests or troughs
SI unit: metre (m)

Question 10

define wave speed

Answer 10

distance travelled by the wave per unit time

Question 11

formula and SI unit of wave speed

Answer 11

v = fλ
SI unit: metre per second (m/s)

Question 12

define wavefront

Answer 12

imaginary line joining all adjacent points that are in phase

Question 13

what happens to waves as they pass over a glass block?

Answer 13

their wavelength increases, but frequency remains constant