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10A Physics > P4 - The nature and properties of waves > Flashcards

P4 - The nature and properties of waves Flashcards

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1
Q

Describe what waves do [1]

A

They transfer energy without transferring matter

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2
Q

What is a mechanical wave? [1]

A

A wave that needs a medium to travel through

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3
Q

What is a wavefront? [1]

A

A line on which the disturbance caused by waves has the same phase at all points (e.g. the crests of waves in a ripple tank)

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4
Q

Define frequency [2]

A

The number of waves per second / measured in hertz Hz

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5
Q

Define wavelength [1]

A

The same point on neighbouring waves

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6
Q

Define amplitude [1]

A

The maximum displacement caused by a wave

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7
Q

Describe waves that are in the same phase [2]

A

Waves that have the same speed and direction

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8
Q

Describe the motion of particles in a transverse wave and give an example [1]

A

Particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer / light

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9
Q

Describe the motion of particles in a longitudinal wave and give an example [1]

A

Particles vibrate parallel to the direction of energy transfer / sound

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10
Q

Recall the wave speed equation [1]

A

Wave speed = frequency x wavelength

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11
Q

Describe the law of reflection [1]

A

The angle of incidence = the angle of reflection

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12
Q

What causes refraction? [2]

A

A change in speed of the wave when it moves to a medium with a different density

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13
Q

What is diffraction? [1]

A

The spreading of waves at the edge of obstacles

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14
Q

What happens to a light ray that passes from a less dense medium to a more dense medium

A

It slows down / the ray bends towards the normal / angle of refraction is less than the angle of incidence

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15
Q

What is diverging light? [1]

A

Light rays spreading out

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16
Q

What is converging light? [1]

A

Light rays getting closer together

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17
Q

Define refractive index [1]

A

The ratio of the speeds of a wave in two different regions

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18
Q

Recall the equation for refractive index [1]

A

n = sin i / sin r

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19
Q

What is the critical angle? [1]

A

The angle of incidence where the refracted ray passes along the boundary between the two media

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20
Q

When does total internal reflection happen? [1]

A

When the angle of incidence is above the critical angle for a medium

21
Q

What is total internal reflection used for? [1]]

A

Optical fibres in medicine and communication

22
Q

Describe the action of a thin converging lens on a beam of light [1]

A

Bends light inwards

23
Q

Define principle axis [1]

A

A line through the optical centre of a lens at right angles to the lens

24
Q

Define principle focus (focal point) [1]

A

Point on a principle axis of a lens to which light rays parallel to the principal axis converge

25
Q

Define focal length [1]

A

Distance between the optical centre and the principal focus of a lens

26
Q

What is the difference between a real image and a virtual image? [1]

A

A real image can be produced on a screen / virtual image is one from which the light rays appear to come from that image

27
Q

Recall the main features of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of frequency from radio waves to gamma-radiation [5]

A

Radio waves - Microwaves - Infrared - Visible light - Ultraviolet - X-Rays - Gamma-Rays

28
Q

What is the same about all waves in the electromagnetic spectrum? [2]

A

They are all transverse waves and travel at the same speed in a vacuum

29
Q
A
30
Q
A
31
Q
A
32
Q

Describe uses of radiowaves [1]

A

Radio and television communication

32
Q

Describe uses of microwaves [1]

A

Satellite television and telephones (also cooking food)

32
Q

State the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum

A

3.0x10⁸ m/s

33
Q

Describe uses of infrared radiation [1]

A

Electrical appliances, remote controllers for televisions and intruder alarms

34
Q

Describe uses of X-rays[1]

A

Medicine and security

35
Q

What are the risks with microwaves? [1]

A

They can heat cells / cause mutations / could lead to cancer

36
Q

What are the risks with U.V, X-rays and gamma rays? [3]

A

They are ionising radiation / cause mutations in cells / which can lead to cancer

37
Q

What causes sound? [1]

A

Vibrating objects

38
Q

What type of wave is sound? [1]

A

Longitudinal

39
Q

What are the two features of longitudinal waves? [1]

A

Compressions and rarefactions

40
Q

What is the range of human hearing? [1]

A

20-20,000 Hertz

41
Q
A
42
Q
A
43
Q

What is needed to transmit sound waves? [1]

A

A medium

43
Q

Which medium does sound travel faster in? [1]

A

Solids

44
Q

Describe a sound with a high amplitude and low frequency [1]

A

Loud and low pitch

45
Q

Describe a sound with a low amplitude and high frequency [1]

A

Quiet and high pitch

46
Q

What can the reflection of sound causes? [1]

A

Echo

10A Physics (8 decks)

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