Wave Properties

Question 1

Wavefronts

Answer 1

Crest of waves

Question 2

Reflection

Answer 2

Change in direction of a wave between two mediums so the wave returns to it’s original medium

Question 3

Refraction

Answer 3

When waves pass a boundary the wave speed and wavelength changes. If at an angle the direction changes too

Question 4

Diffraction

Answer 4

Waves spreading out after passing through a gap or around an obstacle

• Spread more through narrower gaps
• Longer wavelength spread more

Question 5

Satellite Dishes

Answer 5

Bigger dishes allow more radio waves to be reflected onto the aerial, but reflects the radio waves to a smaller focus, so the dish must be more carefully aligned to the satellite otherwise it will not focus the waves to the aerial

Question 6

Superposition

Answer 6

When two waves meet the total displacement at a point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements

Question 7

Supercrest

Answer 7

Two crests meet and reinforce each other

Question 8

Supertrough

Answer 8

Two troughs meet and reinforce each other

Question 9

Zero displacement

Answer 9

A crest and trough of same amplitude meet and the resultant displacement is 0

Question 10

interference

Answer 10

• Constructive: reinforcement

- Destructive: cancellation

Question 11

Coherent

Answer 11

Frequency and phase difference are constant