General properties of waves Flashcards

1
Q

Waves transfer energy without transferring what?

A

Matter

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2
Q

What is wave motion illustrated by?

A

Vibrations in ropes, springs, and water waves experiments

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3
Q

Define a wavefront.

A

A line connecting points on a wave that are in phase (e.g., all crests).

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4
Q

What is the wavelength of a wave?

A

The distance between two consecutive identical points, such as two crests.

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5
Q

What is frequency?

A

The number of wavelengths that pass a point per unit time.

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6
Q

Define amplitude.

A

The maximum distance from the mean position.

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7
Q

State the equation relating wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

A

wave speed = frequency × wavelength (v = fλ)

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8
Q

In a transverse wave, what is the direction of vibration relative to the energy transfer?

A

At right angles to the energy transfer.

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9
Q

Give examples of transverse waves.

A

Electromagnetic radiation, water surface waves, seismic S-waves.

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10
Q

In a longitudinal wave, what is the direction of vibration relative to the energy transfer?

A

Parallel to the energy transfer.

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11
Q

Give examples of longitudinal waves.

A

Sound waves and seismic P-waves.

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12
Q

What happens to a wave during reflection?

A

It bounces off a plane surface at the same angle as it hits.

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13
Q

What is refraction in waves?

A

A change in wave direction due to a change in speed when moving through different mediums.

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14
Q

What is diffraction?

A

The spreading out of waves as they pass through a gap or around an edge.

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15
Q

How does wavelength affect diffraction through a gap?

A

Longer wavelengths diffract more through a gap than shorter wavelengths.

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16
Q

What affects diffraction at an edge?

A

The wavelength of the wave; longer wavelengths diffract more.

17
Q

How can a ripple tank be used to demonstrate reflection?

A

Place a plane barrier; observe waves bouncing off at equal angles.

18
Q

How can a ripple tank show refraction?

A

Use a change in depth (e.g., deeper or shallower regions); observe bending waves.

19
Q

How can diffraction through a gap be shown using a ripple tank?

A

Place a barrier with a gap and observe how waves spread out after passing through.

20
Q

How can diffraction at an edge be shown using a ripple tank?

A

Place a single obstacle in the tank and observe how waves bend around it.

21
Q

Alternate: Describe how to measure wavelength using a ripple tank.

A

Observe and measure the distance between consecutive crests using a ruler or marker.

22
Q

Alternate: How can wave speed be determined experimentally?

A

Measure the distance traveled by a wave in a given time and use the formula v = distance/time.

23
Q

Critical: Why do waves refract when entering shallower water in a ripple tank?

A

The wave speed decreases, causing the wave to bend toward the normal.

24
Q

Critical: What happens to the wave speed and wavelength when a wave passes into a denser medium?

A

The wave speed decreases, and the wavelength shortens.

25
Q

Critical: Why does light diffract less than sound through a door?

A

Light has a much shorter wavelength than sound, so it diffracts less through similar-sized gaps.

26
Q

Critical: Describe the relationship between frequency and wavelength in the wave speed equation.

A

They are inversely proportional; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases for a constant wave speed.