UNIT 2 - Wave Properties

Question 1

Define diffraction

Answer 1

The spreading out of waves when they meet obstacles such as the edges of a slit. Some of the waves energy travels into geometrical shadows of the obstacles

Question 2

What is the principle of superposition

Answer 2

States that when 2 or more waves of the same type occupy the same position in space then the resultant wave is found by the vector sum of the individual displacement of the waves at any point

Question 3

Explain constructive interference

Answer 3

-Waves are in-phase
-Same type of wave (transverse)
-The waves reinforce each other to produce a larger eave

Question 4

Explain destructive interference

Answer 4

-waves are out-of-phase
-same type of wave (transverse)
-the waves try to cancel each other out to produce a smaller
wave
-total destructive interference produces a zero resultant wave known as cancellation

Question 5

What are stationary waves

Answer 5

Patterns of displacements in a medium in which no energy is propagated

Question 6

How are stationary waves formed

Answer 6

By the interference of 2 progressive waves with the same frequency and amplitude, travelling in opposite directions

Question 7

What are nodes

Answer 7

Nodes - places along the wave where there is zero displacement, destructive interference always occurs at nodes

Question 8

What are antinodes

Answer 8

Places in between the nodes that oscillate and suffer maximum displacement.