physics waves and sound

What is a wave?

A disturbance that transfers energy through a medium (or space) without transferring matter

What is an oscillation or vibration?

A repeated back-and-forth motion about a fixed point.

What is a mechanical wave?

A wave that requires a medium to travel through (e.g., sound).

Difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Transverse → particles move perpendicular to wave direction.
Longitudinal → particles move parallel to wave direction.

Define wavelength (λ).

The distance between two successive points in phase (e.g., crest to crest).

Define frequency (f)

The number of complete cycles or oscillations per second.

Define period (T).

The time taken for one complete oscillation. T=1/fT = 1/fT=1/f.

What is the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength?

v=fλv = f \lambdav=fλ.

What is interference?

The combining of two waves to give a resultant wave of greater, smaller, or zero amplitude.

What are nodes and antinodes?

Nodes = no movement; Antinodes = maximum movement.

What type of wave is sound?

A longitudinal mechanical wave.

What causes sound waves?

Vibrations of particles in a medium.

What determines the quality or timbre?

The waveform (presence of harmonics).

What is the unit of intensity?

W/m².

What is resonance?

When the frequency of a driving force equals the natural frequency of a system, causing large amplitude vibrations.

What is the Doppler Effect?

Apparent change in frequency due to relative motion between a source and observer.