Waves

Question 1

Define a longitudinal wave

Answer 1

One in which the particles vibrate parallel the direction in which the wave is travelling

Question 2

Define a transverse wave

Answer 2

One in which the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is travelling

Question 3

Define frequency

Answer 3

Frequency in the number of complete waves passing a fixed point in a second.

Question 4

Define wavelength

Answer 4

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs

Question 5

Define amplitude

Answer 5

Amplitude is the greatest displacement of the wave from its undisturbed position

Question 6

What is the wave equation?

Answer 6

Wave speed = frequency x wavelength
V= f x λ

Question 7

Define reflection

Answer 7

Reflection is sending back a wave into the medium from which it came.

Question 8

What is the normal

Answer 8

The line perpendicular to the barrier.

Question 9

What is true during reflection

Answer 9

The angle of incidence always equals the angle of refraction
The wavelengths of the incident and reflected waves are equal
The frequency of the incident waves is the same as that of reflected waves
There is continuity of incident waves and reflected waves at the barrier

Question 10

Define refraction

Answer 10

Refraction is the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another caused by its change in speed.

Question 11

What happens to water as it moves from deep to shallow

Answer 11

Waves travel more slowly in shallow water. Since the same number of waves leave the deep water as enter shallow water every second the frequencies must be the same, therefore the wavelength in shallow must be shorter.

Question 12

What are applications of ultrasound?

Answer 12

Scanning metal faults for cracks
Scanning a women’s womb to check the development of her baby
Scanning soft tissues to diagnose cancer
Fish location by seagoing trawlers
Mapping the surface of the ocean floor in oceanography