Chapter 2 Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation

Question 1

what are the two types of waves

Answer 1

mechanical and electromagnetic

Question 2

what is a mechanical wave

Answer 2

requires a medium to transmit and it is the passing of a vibration through an elastic material

Question 3

what is a electromagnetic waves

Answer 3

can travel where there is no matter. the type of EM wave is dependent on the amount of energy present.

Question 4

what is a transveres wave

Answer 4

a wave that travels in an up and down motion.

Question 5

what is a longitudinal wave

Answer 5

a wave that travels in a push/ pull motion.

Question 6

what is the period of a wave

Answer 6

time it takes for any point of the wave to go through one complete cycle.

Question 7

what is the wave equation

Answer 7

v=lambda/T

Question 8

what is the wave equation for light

Answer 8

lambda=c/f

Question 9

what is electromagnetic radiation

Answer 9

a self-propagating wave consisting of perpendicular oscillating electrical and mechanical waves

Question 10

what is the difference between rays and waves

Answer 10

rays have wavelengths that are smaller than the visible light spectrum whereas waves have wavelengths larger than those of the visible light spectrum.

Question 11

what sort of rays/waves are in the electromagnetic spectrum from largest to smallest wavelength

Answer 11

radio waves
TV/FM
microwaves
infrared
visible light
ultraviolet
X-rays
gamma rays