Waves

Question 1

Define wave

Answer 1

Disturbance/ Vibration

Question 2

Define amplitude

Answer 2

Distance from the crest of the wave to the equilibrium position
Distance from the trough of the wave to the equilibrium position

Question 3

Define crest

Answer 3

Highest point in a wave

Question 4

Define trough

Answer 4

Lowest point in a wave

Question 5

Define in phase

Answer 5

Two particles need to be on the exact position on the wave on the next wave

Question 6

Define wavelength

Answer 6

The distance between two particles that are in phase with each other

Question 7

What are the 2 types of waves?

Answer 7

Transverse and Longitudinal

Question 8

Define transverse wave

Answer 8

Disturbance 90 degrees to direction of wave

Question 9

Define longitudinal wave

Answer 9

Disturbance 0 or 180 degrees to the direction of the wave

Question 10

Define frequency

Answer 10

Number of waves that pass a point in 1 second

Question 11

Define period

Answer 11

Time taken for one complete wave to pass a point

Question 12

Define compression

Answer 12

When a longitudinal wave’s waves become closer together

Question 13

Define rarefraction

Answer 13

When a longitudinal wave’s waves become further apart

Question 14

What is the formula for the velocity of a wave?

Answer 14

Velocity = frequency x wavelength
V = f x lambda

Question 15

Complete: Waves travel in _________ _______

Answer 15

Straight lines

Question 16

Define angle of incidence

Answer 16

The angle at which the wave initially hits an object (e.g. mirror) from the normal

Question 17

Define the normal line

Answer 17

Line that is 90 degrees to the surface of the reflection

Question 18

Define angle of reflection

Answer 18

The angle at which the wave reflects off the surface of the object

Question 19

Define wave refraction

Answer 19

When waves pass through 2 different media, often refraction can occur

Question 20

Define diffraction

Answer 20

Bending of waves through a gap