Properties and types of Waves

Question 1

How can waves be described?

Answer 1

Oscillations or vibrations

Question 2

Explain the vibrations in longitudinal and transverse waves

Answer 2

In Longitudinal waves, the vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel. In Transverse waves, the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of travel.

Question 3

What type of waves can cause oscillations in electrical and magnetic fields.

Answer 3

Electromagnetic waves.

Question 4

How do you calculate the time period of a wave?

Answer 4

Time period (T)=1/frequency 
The period T is measured in seconds and the frequency F is measured in Hertz.

Question 5

Calculate the time period a wave with a frequency of 400 Hz.

Answer 5

T=1/400

T=0.0025

Question 6

How do you calculate wave speed?

Answer 6

Wave speed=frequency*wavelength

Question 7

What is the speed of a wave with a frequency of 0.2 Hz and wavelength of 25m ?

Answer 7

Wave speed=frequencywavelength
=0.225
=5

Question 8

How does sound travel through the air?

Answer 8

When sound is created, the air particles vibrate and collide with each other, causing the vibrations to pass between the particles. The vibrating particles pass the sound through to a persons ear and vibrate the ear drum.

Question 9

What travels faster, light or sound?

Answer 9

Light travels much faster then sound through air. For example a person fires a starting pistol and raises their hand at the same time. Another person stood 400 m away and recorded the time between seeing the action (the light reaches them immediately) and hearing the sound (which tackles more time to cover the same distance)

Question 10

What is the equation for speed?

Answer 10

Speed=distance/time

Speed is measured in M/S

Question 11

What is the general name for waves that require a medium to vibrate?

Answer 11

Mechanical

Question 12

What is the speed of sound in air?

Answer 12

330 m/s