Wave Motion

Question 1

Define transverse and longitudinal wave.

Answer 1

A transverse wave is a wave in which the oscillations of the particles are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

A longitudinal wave is a wave in which the oscillations of the particles are parallel to the direction of wave propagation or energy transfer.

Question 2

Define intensity of a wave.

Answer 2

The intensity of a wave is the rate of flow of energy per unit area perpendicular to the direction of the wave.
I = P/A
I ∝ A^2

Question 3

Formula for intensity of waves with spherical wavefronts

Answer 3

I = P/4πr^2
I ∝ 1/r^2
A ∝ 1/r

Question 4

Define polarisation

Answer 4

Polarisation is a process whereby the oscillation of the particles in a transverse wave is restricted to a single direction, in the plane normal to the direction of energy transfer