p5 - waves (from PMT)

Question 1

define a wave

Answer 1

a regular disturbance that transfers energy in the direction the wave is travelling without transferring matter

Question 2

define a transverse wave

Answer 2

a wave for which the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer

Question 3

define a longitudinal wave

Answer 3

a wave for which the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

Question 4

how do sound waves travel through a solid?

Answer 4

the particles in the solid vibrate and transfer kinetic energy through the material

Question 5

order the types of electromagnetic radiation from lowest to highest frequency

Answer 5

-radio
-microwaves
-infrared
-visible
-ultraviolet
-x-rays
-gamma

Question 6

what is meant by the focal length of a lens?

Answer 6

the distance from the lens to the principal focus

Question 7

what is the difference between the image produced by a convex and a concave lens?

Answer 7

-convex lenses can produce real or virtual images
-concave lenses can only produce virtual images

Question 8

what is meant by the term ‘specular reflection’?

Answer 8

reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction

Question 9

what is meant by the term ‘diffuse reflection’

Answer 9

reflection from a rough surface which causes scattering