Waves

Question 1

Total internal reflection

Answer 1

Angle of incidence > critical angle

Question 2

Radio wave

Answer 2

10^3

Question 3

Microwave

Answer 3

10^-2

Question 4

Infrared

Answer 4

10^-5

Question 5

Visible light

Answer 5

0.5 x 10^-6

Question 6

Ultra violet

Answer 6

10^-8

Question 7

X-ray

Answer 7

10^-10

Question 8

Gamma

Answer 8

10^-12

Question 9

Progressive wave

Answer 9

An oscillation through matter transferring energy

Question 10

Transverse wave

Answer 10

Oscillations perpendicular to wave propagation

Question 11

Longitudinal waves

Answer 11

Oscillations parallel to wave propagation

Question 12

Displacement

Answer 12

Distance from equilibrium position in particular direction

Question 13

Amplitude

Answer 13

Max displacement from origin

Question 14

Wavelength

Answer 14

Min distance between two adjacent points on a wave oscillating in phase

Question 15

Period

Answer 15

Time taken for a complete oscillation of 1 wavelength to pass a given point

Question 16

Frequency

Answer 16

Number of complete oscillations passing given point per unit time

Question 17

Wave speed

Answer 17

Distance travelled by wave per unit time

Question 18

Phase difference

Answer 18

Difference in displacement of particles along a wave - measured in radians

Question 19

Reflection

Answer 19

When a wave changes direction at a boundary between two media

Question 20

Refraction

Answer 20

When a wave changes direction and speed when entering a new medium

Question 21

Polarisation

Answer 21

Occurs when oscillating wave is restricted to only one plane

Question 22

Principle of superposition

Answer 22

When two waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement is equal to the sun of individual wave displacements

Question 23

Coherence

Answer 23

Two waves are coherent when they have a constant and unchanging phase difference

Question 24

Maximum displacement

Answer 24

n number of wavelengths

Question 25

Minimum displacement

Answer 25

Odd number of half wavelengths

Question 26

Stationary wave

Answer 26

Two progressive waves with same frequency/ travelling in opposite direction superpose. Stationary wave formed has a series of alternating nodes and antinodes

Question 27

Techniques to investigate superposition and wavelength

Answer 27

Sound waves = two audio signal generators - both emit coherent waves which overlap and form interference pattern

Light = young double slit - laser produces monochromatic light producing two coherent waves which overlap and superpose (create alternating bright and dark fringes)

Wavelength = diffraction grating