Waves (Module 4)

Question 1

Define and give examples of a longitudinal wave

Answer 1

Waves that travel and vibrate in the same direction. Have compressions where the wave is highly dense and rarefactions where the wave is least dense. Examples of longitudinal waves are sound waves and primary seismic waves

Question 2

Define and give examples of a transverse wave

Answer 2

Waves in which the vibrations travel perpendicular to the direction of the wave. Examples are electromagnetic waves and secondary seismic waves

Question 3

Define a polarised wave

Answer 3

A wave that travels in one plane only. Only transverse waves can be polarised (not longitudinal)

Question 4

Define amplitude

Answer 4

The maximum displacement of a vibrating particle

Question 5

What is phase difference?

Answer 5

It is the fraction of a cycle between the vibrations of two vibrating particles, measured usually in radians

Question 6

Explain the principle of superposition

Answer 6

The principle of superposition states that when two waves meet, the total displacement at that point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements at that point.