Waves

How are longitudinal waves characterized?

The oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

What is wavelength?

The distance from a point on a wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave.

What is the formula for wave speed?

Wave speed = frequency x wavelength (v = f x λ).

What is the purpose of using a ripple tank in wave experiments?

To observe the features of water waves.

What is the amplitude of a wave?

The maximum displacement of a point on a wave away from its undisturbed position.

Define the frequency of a wave.

The number of waves passing a fixed point per second, measured in Hertz (HzHz).

What is the period of a wave?

The time taken for one complete wave to pass a point (T=1fT=f1​).

How do you calculate wave frequency from its period?

f=1/T

What is wave refraction?

The change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

What type of wave is a sound wave?

A longitudinal wave.

Why can sound waves not travel through a vacuum?

They require a medium (particles) to vibrate and transmit energy.

What is the human hearing range?

20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

In Required Practical 8, how is frequency measured on a vibrating string?

It is equal to the frequency of the signal generator powering the vibration generator.

In Required Practical 8, how is wavelength measured accurately in a ripple tank?

Measure the distance across 10 wave fronts using a ruler, then divide the total distance by 10.