WAVES ASSESSMENT

What is a wave?

A wave is an oscillation or vibration that transfers energy without transferring matter.

What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Transverse waves have vibrations at 90° to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., Light, EM waves), whereas longitudinal waves have vibrations parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g., Sound).

What determines the loudness of sound?

Amplitude determines the loudness of sound.

What is wavelength?

Wavelength is the distance between two identical points on consecutive waves (peak to peak).

What does frequency measure?

Frequency measures the number of waves per second and is measured in Hertz (Hz). It determines the pitch of sound.

What is superposition?

Superposition is when waves meet and can add up (constructive interference) or cancel out (destructive interference).

How does sound travel and what does it need?

Sound travels through vibrating particles and needs a medium (solid, liquid, or gas). It cannot travel through a vacuum.

How does the speed of sound vary in different states of matter?

Sound travels fastest in solids (approximately 5000 m/s) and slowest in gases (approximately 330 m/s).

What is the human auditory range?

The human auditory range is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound consists of sound waves with frequencies above 20,000 Hz, used in cleaning and physiotherapy.

What are the steps in human hearing?

Sound is directed by the Pinna, then vibrates the Eardrum, which is amplified by the Ossicles, converted into electrical signals by the Cochlea, and sent to the brain via the Auditory Nerve.

What is the speed of light?

Light travels at approximately 300,000,000 m/s.

What is the Law of Reflection?

The Law of Reflection states that the angle of incidence (𝑖) equals the angle of reflection (𝑟).

What is the difference between specular and diffuse reflection?

Specular reflection occurs on a smooth surface, resulting in a clear image, while diffuse reflection occurs on a rough surface, causing light to scatter.

What is refraction?

Refraction is the bending of light as it changes speed when entering a different medium.

How do convex and concave lenses differ?

Convex lenses cause rays to converge at a focus, while concave lenses cause rays to diverge.

What are primary colors of light?

The primary colors of light are Red, Green, and Blue.

How are secondary colors formed?

Secondary colors are formed by mixing primary colors: Yellow (Red + Green), Cyan (Blue + Green), and Magenta (Red + Blue).

How does object color work?

An object's color is determined by the light it reflects; for example, a red object reflects red light and absorbs all other colors.

What is the EM Spectrum?

The EM Spectrum ranges from low to high energy: Radio, Microwave, Infrared (IR), Visible, Ultraviolet (UV), X-ray, and Gamma.

What is ionization and which waves cause it?

Ionization is when high-energy waves (UV, X-ray, Gamma) knock electrons off atoms, potentially damaging DNA and causing cancer.