Waves

Question 1

Explain:
Transverse Waves

Answer 1

• Direction of vibration: Perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
• Examples:
  
  • Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light waves).
  • Water waves on the surface of a body of water.
  • Seismic S-waves (secondary waves) in earthquakes.

Question 2

Explain:
Longitudinal Waves

Answer 2

• Direction of vibration: Parallel to the direction of propagation.
• Examples:
  
  • Sound waves in air, solids, or liquids.
  • Seismic P-waves (primary waves) in earthquakes

Question 3

Explain:
Reflection

Answer 3

• Occurs when waves encounter a boundary or surface and bounce back into the same medium.
• Example: Light waves reflecting off a mirror.

Question 4

Explain:
Refraction

Answer 4

• Happens when waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another with different speeds.
• Example: Light waves bending as they pass from air into water.

Question 5

Explain
Diffraction:

Answer 5

• Involves the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
• Example: Sound waves bending around corners or through a narrow gap.

Question 6

Explain:
Frequency and Pitch

Answer 6

Frequency refers to the number of wave cycles passing a fixed point per unit time and is measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequency corresponds to higher pitch. This is because higher frequency waves have more oscillations per second, which our ears interpret as higher-pitched sounds. In summary, increasing the frequency of a sound wave increases its pitch.

Question 6

Explain:
Regarding the effects of wavelength and gap size on diffraction

Answer 6

• Smaller wavelengths and larger gap sizes result in more pronounced diffraction effects.
• Larger wavelengths lead to more significant diffraction at edges.

Question 7

Explain:
Amplitude and Loudness

Answer 7

Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of particles in a sound wave from their resting position. Higher amplitude corresponds to louder sound. This is because larger amplitude waves transfer more energy to the medium, causing greater displacement of particles, which our ears perceive as louder volume. In summary, increasing the amplitude of a sound wave increases its loudness.