Wave Properties

Question 1

Describe longitudinal waves in terms of vibrations and transfer of energy

Answer 1

In longitudinal waves, the oscillations (vibrations) are along the same direction as the direction of travel and energy transfer.

Question 2

Describe transverse waves in terms of vibrations and transfer of energy

Answer 2

In transverse waves, the oscillations (vibrations) are at a right angle to the direction of travel and energy transfer.

Question 3

Amplitude =

Answer 3

the distance between the lines of the direction of travel and the furthest point that it vibrates from the line.

Question 4

Frequency =

Answer 4

The number of waves per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz).

Question 5

Wavelength =

Answer 5

The distance between one point on a wave and the same point on the next wave.

Question 6

Period =

Answer 6

The time taken for a source to produce one complete wave.

Question 7

wave energy is/isn’t …

Answer 7

isn’t matter

Question 8

speed (ms=1) =

Answer 8

frequency (Hz) x wavelength (m)

Question 9

units for speed =

Answer 9

ms**-1

Question 10

units for frequency =

Answer 10

Hz

Question 11

units for wavelength =

Answer 11

m

Question 12

frequency (Hz)

Answer 12

1 / time period (s)

Question 13

Diffraction =

Answer 13

spreading out of a wave

Question 14

Frequency ∝

Answer 14

1 / wavelength

Question 15

How does the amount of diffraction depends on wavelength and the size of the gap?

Answer 15

• The extent of spreading depends on the width of the gap compared with the wavelength of the waves
• The smaller the width of the gap compared with the wavelength of the waves, the stronger the diffraction
• For example, when waves spread into a harbour, they spread out more if the harbour mouth is narrowed