P5

Question 1

Give a definition to the amplitude of a wave.

Answer 1

The displacement from the rest position to the trough.

Question 2

Define the term ‘wavelength’.

Answer 2

The length of a full cycle of the wave.

Question 3

How do you measure the period of a wave?

Answer 3

Period = 1 / Frequency

Question 4

Describe the difference between transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Answer 4

Transverse waves: vibrations are perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.
Longitudinal waves: vibrations are parallel to the direction the wave travels.

Question 4

Describe the difference between transverse waves and longitudinal waves.

Answer 4

Transverse waves: vibrations are perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.
Longitudinal waves: vibrations are parallel to the direction the wave travels.

Question 5

List two examples of transverse and longitudinal waves.

Answer 5

Transverse waves: Electromagnetic waves, S waves, Ripples and waves in water
Longitudinal waves: Sound waves and P-waves

Question 6

What are compressions and rarefactions?

Answer 6

Compressions: High pressure,, lots of particles
Rarefactions: Low pressure, fewer particles

Question 7

What method could you use to measure the speed of sound? And how can it be demonstrated?

Answer 7

An oscilloscope.

1. Set the oscilloscope so the detected waves at each microphone are shown as separate waves
2. Start with both microphones next to the speaker, then slowly move one away until the two waves are aligned on the display, but have moved exactly one wavelength apart.
3. Measure the distance between the microphones to find one wavelength.
4. Apply formula.

Question 8

How can you measure the speed of a wave?

Answer 8

A ripple tank. A pencil and a stopwatch can be used to measure and record the wave speed.

Question 9

List the apparatus needed to measure the frequency of a water wave.

Answer 9

A cork, stopwatch and ripple tank.