P1.4 - Waves

Question 1

What is a wave?

Answer 1

Transfer of energy

Question 2

What are the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Give an example for each

Answer 2

Transverse waves = oscillate at right angle to direction waves travel (light)

Longitudinal waves = oscillate in same direction waves travel (sound)

Question 3

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Answer 3

Maximum distance of oscillation from equilibrium

Question 4

What is the frequency of the wave, and what is the unit of frequency?

Answer 4

Frequency = number of waves that pass a point in a second

Unit of frequency = Hz

Question 5

What is the wavelength of a wave?

Answer 5

Distance between wave peaks

Question 6

What happens when the amplitude and frequency of a sound wave are increased?

Answer 6

Greater amplitude = louder volume

Higher frequency = higher pitch

Question 7

What is the average hearing range of a human?

What is the name for sounds above this?

Answer 7

20Hz - 20kHz

> 20kHz = ultrasound

Question 8

What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum?

Answer 8

Radiowaves

Microwaves

Infrared

Visible light

Ultraviolet

X-rays

Question 9

What are possible uses for radiowaves and microwaves based on their properties?

Answer 9

Radiowaves = longest wavelength
- Transmit radio and TV programmes

Microwaves = pass through atmosphere
- Communicate with satellites (mobiles)

Question 10

What are possible uses for infrared and visible light based on their properties?

Answer 10

Infrared = heat radiation
- remote controls and sending signals along optic fibres

Visible light = light we can see
- sending signals along optic fibres

Question 11

What possible uses for x-rays based on their properties?

Answer 11

X-rays = shortest wavelength

- Check for broken bones