Wave Motion

Question 1

Define a progressive wave.

Answer 1

A wave which results in a net transfer of energy from the source of disturbance, along the direction of propagation of the wave.

Question 2

Define a transverse wave.

Answer 2

A wave in which the oscillations of the particles are perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the wave.

Question 3

Define a longitudinal wave.

Answer 3

A wave in which the points of disturbance oscillate about their equilibrium position along the direction of wave travel or energy propagation.

Question 4

Define the wavelength of a wave.

Answer 4

Distance between any two successive particles in phase (for progressive waves).

Question 5

Define phase difference.

Answer 5

A measure of how much 2 waves or 2 particles within the same waves are out of step with each other.

Question 6

Define polarisation.

Answer 6

Polarisation is a phenomenon whereby vibrations in a transverse wave are restricted to only one direction in the plane normal to the direction of energy transfer.

Question 7

Define intensity.

Answer 7

The intensity of a wave is the rate of flow energy per unit area, perpendicular to the direction of propagation

Question 8

What is the relationship between intensity, distance, and amplitude?

Answer 8

I α A^2 α 1/r^2

A α 1/r

Question 9

What is the wavelength of gamma-rays?

Answer 9

gamma-rays: < 10-12 m

Question 10

What is the wavelength of x-rays?

Answer 10

x-rays: 1 nm - 1 pm

Question 11

What is the wavelength of visible light waves?

Answer 11

visible: 750 nm - 400 nm

Question 12

What is the wavelength of ultraviolet waves?

Answer 12

ultraviolet: 400 nm - 1 nm

Question 13

What is the wavelength of infrared waves?

Answer 13

infrared: 25 μm - 2.5 μm

Question 14

What is the wavelength of microwaves?

Answer 14

microwaves: 1 mm - 25 μm

Question 15

What is the wavelength of radiowaves?

Answer 15

radio waves: > 1 mm