Waves, Light, and Sound: Key Concepts and Spectrum Analysis

What is a wave?

A disturbance that travels from one place to another transporting energy, but not necessarily matter.

What is the difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave?

Mechanical waves require matter to travel, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.

What are the main parts of a wave?

Peaks/Troughs, Amplitude, Wavelength (λ), Velocity, Frequency (Hz), and Period.

How are period and frequency related?

Period (T) is the inverse of frequency (n): T = 1/n.

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency for waves traveling at the same velocity?

Wavelength (λ) is inversely proportional to frequency (n): λ = Vw/n.

What defines a transverse wave?

In a transverse wave, the vibrations are at right angles to the direction of wave movement.

What defines a longitudinal wave?

In a longitudinal wave, the vibrations occur in the same direction as the wave movement.

What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 300,000,000 m/s (3.00 x 10^8 m/s).

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, which travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

What happens when multiple colors of light are combined?

They can create new colors depending on the combination, often resulting in white light when all colors are mixed.

How does a sound wave differ from a light wave?

Sound waves are mechanical and require a medium to travel, while light waves are electromagnetic and can travel through a vacuum.

What characteristic of a sound wave makes it louder?

The amplitude of the sound wave determines its loudness.

What determines the pitch of a sound wave?

The frequency of the sound wave determines its pitch; higher frequencies result in higher pitches.

What does the law of reflection state for polished objects?

Polished objects reflect light at equal angles to the incident angle, resulting in clear reflections.

What is the difference between polished and diffuse objects?

Polished objects reflect light uniformly, while diffuse objects scatter light in many directions.

What causes light to refract?

Light refracts when it passes from one medium to another at an angle, changing speed.

What does a prism do?

A prism refracts light, separating it into its component colors.

What is diffraction?

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, affecting how shadows are formed.

What is absorption in relation to color?

Absorption occurs when an object takes in certain wavelengths of light, affecting its perceived color.

What is the Doppler effect?

The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

What happens to the pitch of a sound when the source is approaching?

The pitch increases as the source approaches due to compressed wavelengths.

What happens to the pitch of a sound when the source is moving away?

The pitch decreases as the source moves away due to stretched wavelengths.