sp4 waves (paper 1)

Question 1

define the frequency of a wave and the unit it’s measured in

Answer 1

the number of waves per second, hertz (Hz)

Question 2

define the wavelength and the unit it’s measured in

Answer 2

the distance from peak to peak or trough to trough in a wave, metres

Question 3

define the period of a wave and the unit it’s measured in

Answer 3

the time is takes for 1 wave to pass, seconds

Question 4

state are the two types of waves

Answer 4

• longitudinal (the particles move up and down, at right angles. e.g light waves)
• transverse (the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave. e.g soundwaves)

Question 5

describe the core practical of measuring waves using a ripple tank

Answer 5

• set up the ripple tank with a straight dipper near one side of the tank
• fasten a ruler to one of the adjacent sides so you can see the markings of he water (10cm)
• switch on the lamp and motor and adjust until low frequency waves can be clearly observed.
• measure the length of a number of waves then divide by the number of waves to record wavelength
• count the number of waves passing a point in ten seconds then divide by ten to record frequency
• calculate the speed of the waves using: wave speed = frequency × wavelength.

Question 6

define reflection

Answer 6

when any wave hits a surface and bounces back to the original source

Question 7

define refraction

Answer 7

a shift in the direction of the wave because it changes speed from moving one median to another

Question 8

describe the process of waves entering the ear

Answer 8

• sound waves enter the pinna and travel to the ear canal