Chapter 3 -Waves: Wave speed

Question 1

Equation to calculate wave speed give time and distance.

Answer 1

c = d/t

Question 2

Give the equation to calculate the wave speed given wavelength.

Answer 2

c = f *lambda

Question 3

What is the wave speed of all EM waves in a vacuum?

Answer 3

3 x 10^8 m/s^1

Question 4

Give an example of how we could measure the speed of sound?

Answer 4

Two microphones a distance of d apart.
Separate inputs for each microphone.
Produce a sound from a signal generator.
Use the computer to record the time between the first and second microphone.

Question 5

How do you measure wave speed in water?

Answer 5

Record the depth of the water using a ruler.
Use ripple tank dipper to create vibrations in the water with regular frequency.
Turn on strobe light. Increase strobe light frequency until waves are standing still. Frequency strobe lights = frequency of water waves.
Measure the distance between 2 peaks.
Then work out speed.