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Physics > Waves Key Questions > Flashcards

Waves Key Questions Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a transverse wave?

A

The vibrations/oscillations of the waves are
perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

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2
Q

What is a longitudinal wave?

A

The vibrations/oscillations of the waves are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

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3
Q

Define amplitude

A

The maximum displacement of a point on a wave away
from its undisturbed position.

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4
Q

Define wavelength

A

The distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent
point on the adjacent wave.

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5
Q

What is equation linking time period and
frequency?

A

Time period= 1÷ frequency

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6
Q

What are the units for frequency?

A

Hz or Hertz

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7
Q

What is equation linking wave speed,
frequency and wavelength?

A

Wave speed = frequency × wavelength

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8
Q

Are electromagnetic waves transverse or
longitudinal?

A

Transverse

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9
Q

What do EM waves transfer?

A

Energy

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10
Q

Explain why EM waves are not mechanical waves.

A

They can travel through a vacuum.

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11
Q

What is the order of the electromagnetic waves from highest frequency to lowest frequency?

A

Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet, Visible light, Infrared, Microwaves, Radiowaves

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12
Q

What can occur when an EM wave meets a substance?(a,t,r,r)

A

Absorbed, transmitted, refracted and reflected

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13
Q

When does refraction happen?

A

A change in velocity

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14
Q

How can EM waves be produced?

A

Change inside an atom

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15
Q

How can radio waves be produced?

A

Oscillations in an electrical circuit

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16
Q

How can we detect radio waves?

A

They create an alternating current with the same frequency

17
Q

What is Radiation dose?

A

a measure of the risk of harm from the body being exposed to radiation

18
Q

Which EM waves are ionising?

A

X-rays and Gamma

19
Q

What are the dangers of ultraviolet waves?

A

Can cause skin to age prematurely and increase the risk of skin cancer.

20
Q

What are the dangers of X-rays and Gamma rays?

A

Can cause the mutation of genes and cancer

21
Q

What can radio waves be used for?

A

Television and radio

22
Q

What can microwaves be used for?

A

Satellite communications and cooking food

23
Q

What can infrared be used for?

A

Electrical heaters, cooking food, infrared cameras

24
Q

What can visible light be used for?

A

Fibre optic communciations

25
Q

What can ultraviolet be used for?

A

Energy efficient lamps, sun tanning

26
Q

What can gamma rays be used for?

A

Sterilising equipment, medical treatment

27
Q

What can x-rays be used for?

A

Medical imaging and treatments

28
Q

Why are X-rays used for medical imaging?

A

They pass through the flesh but not bone

29
Q

Why are gamma rays used for treating cancer and sterilising medical equipment?

A

High doses kills cells and bacteria

30
Q

What surfaces absorb radiation?

A

All surfaces, black is the best absorber

31
Q

What surfaces emit radiation?

A

All surfaces, black is the best emitter

32
Q

State how light waves travel

A

in straight lines

33
Q

Which waves travel faster; light or sound?

A

light waves

34
Q

What is an echo?

A

a reflection of a wave when it hits a boundary

35
Q

Describe reflection off a plain surface (ai=ar)

A

the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

36
Q

What is a luminous object?

A

an object that emits light

37
Q

What is superposition? (2wici)

A

When two waves interact with each other they can either cancel each other out or make each other more intense

38
Q

Define ‘medium’ (media is plural)

A

a substance e.g. water,air,glass

39
Q

Which surfaces are the best reflectors?

A

silver shiny

Physics (10 decks)

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