Physics booklet (waves)

Question 1

Define a wave

Answer 1

Waves are a transfer of information or energy without the transfer of the medium

Question 2

Define longitudinal wave

Answer 2

A wave where vibrations are parallel to the direction of the wave

Question 3

Define a transverse

Answer 3

Waves that are perpendicular to the direction of the wave

Question 4

What is frequency ?

Answer 4

The number of waves per second passing a point

Question 5

What is a wavelength ?

Answer 5

The horizontal distance between coherent points on adjacent waves

Question 6

Define displacement

Answer 6

A straight line distance from the central line

Question 7

What is time period ?

Answer 7

Time taken for one wave

Question 8

Equation for speed of a wave

Answer 8

Speed of a wave = frequency x wave length

Question 9

Equation 2 for speed of wave

Answer 9

speed of wave = distance / time

Question 10

Define diffraction

Answer 10

When waves meet a gap in a barrier, they carry on through the gap. However, the waves spread out to some extent into the area beyond the gap.