Waves

Question 1

Define Interference

Answer 1

When waves in the same medium combine to form a resultant amplitude

Question 2

Destructive vs constructive interference

Answer 2

Destructive - waves combine to form lesser amplitude
Constructive - waves combine to form greater amplitude

Question 3

Standing wave

Answer 3

Waves of the same frequency and amplitude that constructively and destructively interfere to form a wave pattern in a confined space

Question 4

The Doppler effect

Answer 4

Relative change in frequency due to the relative motion of the source and observer

Question 5

Resonance

Answer 5

The transfer of energy between two bodies of the same natural frequency

Question 6

Sound quality

Answer 6

Number of overtones/harmonics present

Question 7

Node

Answer 7

Part of a standing wave that does not move

Question 8

Diffraction

Answer 8

The spreading out of a wave as it moves through a gap or around an obstacle

Question 9

Antinode

Answer 9

Part of a standing wave which moves the most

Question 10

Frequency

Answer 10

Amount of wave fronts passing through a point every second

Question 11

Amplitude

Answer 11

Maximum displacement of the mean position

Question 12

Wavelength

Answer 12

Distance between wave fronts

Question 13

Mechanical waves

Answer 13

Require a medium to travel through and physically disrupt that medium

Question 14

Electromagnetic waves

Answer 14

Do not require a physical medium but cause electric and magnetic disruption

Question 15

Travelling waves

Answer 15

A wave in motion through a medium without causing overall displacement of the medium

Question 16

Longitudinal waves

Answer 16

Wave vibrates parallel to the direction of propagation

Question 17

Fundamental frequency of string

Answer 17

String vibrating with an antinode at the center and a node at each end is at it’s fundamental frequency

Question 18

Threshold of hearing

Answer 18

Smallest sound intensity detectable to human ear at a frequency of 1KHz. 1x10^-12W/m^2

Question 19

Sound intensity

Answer 19

Amount of sound energy passing through 1m^2 perpendicular to the direction of the propagation

Question 20

Frequency limits of audibility

Answer 20

Highest, 20KHz, and lowest, 20Hz frequencies that can be heard by human ear

Question 21

Pitch

Answer 21

Frequency

Question 22

Loudness

Answer 22

Amplitude

Question 23

Quality

Answer 23

Number of overtones

Question 24

Overtones

Answer 24

Multiples of fundamental frequency

Question 25

Interference pattern

Answer 25

Resulting pattern when waves from 2 or more sources meet

Question 26

Coherent sources

Answer 26

2 wave sources of same frequency in phase/ have a constant phase difference