b) Properties Of Waves

Differences between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Transverse: waves vibrations are at 90 degrees to the direction energy is transferred.

Longitudinal: waves vibrations are along the same direction energy is transferred.

Define amplitude?

Height of the wave(rest to crest)

Define wavefront?

A line joining points on a wave at the same point in their wave cycle at a given time.

Define frequency and its units?

How many waves pass a certain point per second.

Measured in Hertz

Define wavelength?

Distance from peak to next.

Define period of wave?

The time it takes for one complete wave to pass a point.

Function of waves?

Transfer energy and information without transferring matter.

Formula and units for wave speed?

Wave speed(m/s) = Frequency(Hz) x Wavelength(m)

Formula for frequency?

Frequency = 1 / time period

What is the Doppler effect?

When there’s a change in the observed frequency and wavelength due to a wave source moving relative to the to an observer.

When does reflection of a wave occur?

When light bounces off an even surface.

When does refraction of a wave occur?

When a wave slows down or speeds up at a boundary between two materials.