Physical Science II Final Exam Review

Flashcards for Physical Science II review, covering waves, sound, electromagnetic waves, and light.

What is the definition of a wave?

A disturbance that transfers energy from place to place.

What are the two main types of waves?

Mechanical waves (require a medium) and electromagnetic waves (do not require a medium).

What is a transverse wave?

Particles move perpendicular to wave direction (e.g., light).

What is a longitudinal wave?

Particles move parallel to wave direction (e.g., sound).

What are the parts of a wave?

Crest, trough, compression, rarefaction.

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Height of the wave; related to energy.

What is the wavelength of a wave?

Distance between two corresponding points on a wave.

What is the frequency of a wave?

Number of waves per second (measured in Hertz, Hz).

How is the speed of a wave calculated?

Speed = Wavelength × Frequency.

What is the period of a wave?

Time for one wave to pass a point (inverse of frequency).

What is reflection?

Wave bounces back after hitting a barrier.

What is refraction?

Wave bends as it enters a new medium.

What is diffraction?

Wave spreads out after passing through a narrow opening.

What is constructive interference?

Waves add together.

What is destructive interference?

Waves cancel each other.

What are standing waves?

Waves that appear stationary due to interference.

Why is sound considered a mechanical wave?

Requires a medium (solid, liquid, or gas).

What are the two parts of a longitudinal sound wave?

Compression and rarefaction.

What affects the speed of sound?

Depends on the medium (faster in solids, slower in gases).

How is sound produced?

Vibration of objects.

What is pitch related to?

Related to frequency (high frequency = high pitch).

What is loudness related to?

Related to amplitude; measured in decibels (dB).

What is the Doppler Effect?

Change in frequency/pitch due to motion of the source or observer.

What determines sound quality in music?

Determined by the combination of frequencies (harmonics).

How do musical instruments produce sound?

Produce sound through vibrations (strings, air columns, membranes).

What is resonance?

Natural frequency amplification.

What do overtones/harmonics contribute to?

Contribute to tone quality.

What is ultrasound?

Sound waves above 20,000 Hz.

What is sonar?

Use of sound waves to detect objects underwater.

What is echolocation?

Used by animals (e.g., bats, dolphins) to locate objects.

Why are electromagnetic waves unique?

Do not need a medium to travel.

What are electromagnetic waves made of?

Vibrating electric and magnetic fields.

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Approx. 3x10^8 m/s.

What does the electromagnetic spectrum include?

Includes all types of EM waves, from low to high frequency: Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays.

What does AM stand for?

Amplitude Modulation.

What does FM stand for?

Frequency Modulation.

What are carrier waves?

High-frequency waves modulated with information.

What is the law of reflection?

Angle of incidence = angle of reflection.

What causes refraction of light?

Bending of light due to speed change in different media.

What is diffraction of light?

Bending/spreading of light around edges.