Chapter 1

Question 1

Difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves (m)

Answer 1

electromagnetic waves as transverse waves travelling at the same speed, c, in a vacuum as distinct from mechanical waves that require a medium to propagate

Question 2

Electromagnetic wave meaning

Answer 2

a wave that consists of perpendicular electric and magnetic field oscillations. Defined by oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. Common to refer to as light since visible light is an example.

Question 3

Longitudinal wave meaning

Answer 3

a wave in which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of wave travel and energy transmission

Question 4

Mechanical wave meaning

Answer 4

a wave which requires a material medium. Defined by oxidation of particles with a medium.

Question 5

Medium meaning

Answer 5

a physical substance through which a wave propagates

Question 6

Oscillate meaning

Answer 6

to move back and forth in a regular motion

Question 7

Propagate meaning

Answer 7

the way in which a wave travels

Question 8

Transverse wave meaning

Answer 8

a wave in which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel and energy transmission

Question 9

Vacuum meaning

Answer 9

a region that does not contain matter

Question 10

Wave meaning

Answer 10

the transmission of energy via oscillations from one location to another without
the net transfer of matter

Question 11

What is the direction a wave travels defined by

Answer 11

The direction of energy transmission

Question 12

About the oscillation that forms a wave

Answer 12

It can be perpendicular or parallel to the motion of the wave

Question 13

Is energy or matter transferred by a wave

Answer 13

Energy

Question 14

Net meaning

Answer 14

Overall

Question 15

Crest v trough meaning

Answer 15

C: highest point of the wave
T: lowest point of the wave
(Multiple)

Question 16

Matter meaning

Answer 16

Anything that can take up space and be weighed

Question 17

How are waves distinguished

Answer 17

By the direction of their oscillation to the direction of their movement

Question 18

Difference between transverse and longitudinal waves (movement of oscillation)

Answer 18

Perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. For a transverse wave travelling to the right, oscillations could occur in any perpendicular direction, such as up and down or into and out of the page, but not left and right
V

Parallel to the direction of wave propagation. For a longitudinal wave travelling to the right, the particles in the medium must oscillate left and right. Longitudinal waves are also commonly referred to as compression waves.

Question 19

Difference between transverse and longitudinal waves (common eg)

Answer 19

Waves in strings, electromagnetic waves and water waves
V
Sound waves, waves in springs, or the primary (p) wave in earthquakes

Question 20

Difference between transverse and longitudinal waves (key features)

Answer 20

Crest: point with max positive displacement (highest point)
Trough:point with max negative displacement (lowest point)
V

Compressions: the points on a wave where particles are most closely grouped together (under the most pressure).
Rarefactions: points where particles are most spread out (under the least pressure).

Question 21

Speed of light through a vacuum / electromagnetic waves

Answer 21

3.0 x 10^8 ms^-1

Question 22

Differences between electromagnetic and mechanical waves

Answer 22

E: Propagation of oscillation
of electric and magnetic field
Only traverse
Does not require a medium
Travel at c = 3.0 × 10 m s−1 through a vacuum
Also called light
Examples – visible light,
X-ray, microwaves, radiowaves and more

M:

Propagation of the oscillation of matter within a medium
Longitudinal or traverse
Requires a medium (cannot travel through a vacuum)
Examples – water waves, strings, ropes, earthquakes, sound waves and more

Question 23

Similarities between electromagnetic and mechanical waves

Answer 23

No net transfer of matter
Transmit energy

Question 24

How to differentiate waves

Answer 24

State direction of oscillation to direction of wave travel eg
Displacement Perpendicular to the direction of the wave

Question 25

Wavelength frequency period and speed formula

Answer 25

Wavelength= v /f = vT

V= speed/ velocity
F= frequency
T= period

Question 26

Frequency meaning

Answer 26

Amount of wave cycles completed in a unit of time

Question 27

Wavelength meaning

Answer 27

Distance between two crests or troughs (distance covered by one wave cycle)

Question 28

What is frequency entirely determined by

Answer 28

The wave source