P5.1 Wave behaviour

Question 1

Describe transverse waves

Answer 1

Transverse waves have oscillations that are perpendicular or at right angles to the direction of their travel.

Question 2

Describe longitudinal waves

Answer 2

Longitudinal waves have vibrations that are parallel to the direction of their travel.

Question 3

What properties are used to describe waves?

Answer 3

amplitude, wavelength, frequency and the period.

Question 4

Definition of amplitude.

Answer 4

amplitude (height)

Question 5

Definition of wavelength

Answer 5

distance from peak to peak or trough to trough

Question 6

Definition of frequency

Answer 6

number of wavelengths going past every second, in Hz

Question 7

Definition of wave period

Answer 7

The period of a wave is the time taken for one whole wavelength to travel past a certain point.

Question 8

period equation

Answer 8

T=1/ f

whereT= period in seconds (s)andF= frequency in Hertz (Hz).

Question 9

Definition of wave speed (v)

Answer 9

distance moved by the wave in 1 second in m/s.

Question 10

Symbol representing wavelength.

Answer 10

the symbolλwhich is pronounced lambda

Question 11

Equation for wave speed for waves with a constant frequency and wavelength

Answer 11

wave velocity (m/s) = frequency (Hz) × wavelength (m)

v=f×λ

Question 12

Define: normal (physics)

Answer 12

a line at 90° to the surface where the wave hits it

Question 13

Define: oscilloscope

Answer 13

a device that shows a changing potential difference on a screen