Types of waves
Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves
what is the distance between two corresponding points on two adjacent waves called?
Wavelength
What happens to a wave when it encounters a barrier that it cannot pass through?
Reflection
What is the range of all types of electromagnetic waves called?
Electromagnetic spectrum.
What is the common medium for most mechanical waves on earth?
Air
what type of wave is sound?
Mechanical wave
How does the frequency of a wave relate to its period?
Frequency is the reciprocal of period.
Describe the phenomenon of diffraction.
Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
Which type of electromagnetic wave has the shortest wavelength?
Gamma Rays.
How do mechanical waves transfer energy?
By causing particles in the medium to vibrate.
How do electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves in terms of their medium?
Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel while mechanical waves do.
Explain the relationship between wave speed, frequency and wavelength.
Wave speed equals frequency times wavelength.
Explain the Doppler effect and provide an example.
The doppler effect is the change in frequency of a wave due to relative motion between the source and the observer. an example is the change in pitch of an ambulance siren as it approaches and then moves away.
What is the main difference between visible light and other electromagnetic waves?
Visible light is the only electromagnetic wave that can be detected by the human eye.
Explain the difference between a pulse wave and a periodic wave.
A pulse wave is a single disturbance that travels through a medium while a periodic wave is a series of repeated disturbances.
Give an example of a mechanical wave that travels through water.
Ocean waves
what is the unit of measurement for frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
What is the phenomenon where two waves meet and combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude?
Interference.
How are the different types of electromagnetic waves used in every day life? List at least 3.
Radio waves are used for communication.
Microwaves are used for cooking and communication.
Infrared radiation is used for heat transfer and remote controls.
Visible light is used for sight.
Ultraviolet radiation is used for sterilization and tanning.
X-Rays are used for medical imaging.
Gamma rays are used for medical treatment and research.
What is the relationship between the amplitude of a mechanical wave and its energy?
The energy of a mechanical wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude.
Describe the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.
In a transverse wave the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation while in a longitudinal wave, the particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
If the wavelength of a wave increases, what happens to its frequency, assuming the wave speed remains constant?
The frequency decreases.
Explain the difference between constructive interference and destructive interference.
Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase and combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude. Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet out of phase and combine to produce a wave with a smaller amplitude.
Explain the relationship between the energy of an electromagnetic wave and its frequency.
The energy of an electromagnetic wave is directly proportional to its frequency.
Describe the phenomenon of superposition?
Superposition occurs when two or more waves meet and combine to produce a new wave.