P1.5 - Waves

Question 1

Are electromagnetic waves transverse or longitudinal waves

Answer 1

Transverse

Question 2

Are sound waves transverse or longitudinal

Answer 2

Longitudinal as the particles move back and forth in line with the direction that the wave is going.

Question 3

What is wave frequency and how is it measured

Answer 3

Wave frequency is the number of waves passing a point each second. Or is measured in hertz (Hz).

Question 4

What is wavelength

Answer 4

Wavelength is the distance from a point on one wave to the same point on the next wave, measured in metres. On a diagram, it is often measured from crest or crest.

Question 5

What is amplitude

Answer 5

The maximum distance of a point on the wave from its rest position, measured in metres. On a diagram, it is measured from the middle point of the wave to the top.

Question 6

Name 2 ways to work out the wave speed (how fast the energy in a wave travels)

Answer 6

Distance/time or frequency x wavelength

Question 7

If a wave carries a surfer 52 metres in 8 seconds, what is its speed

Answer 7

52/8=6.5 m/s

Question 8

If some waves of 13 metre wavelength have a frequency of 0.5 Hz then what is the wave speed

Answer 8

0.5 x 13 = 6.5 m/s

Question 9

If the particles in the wave are moving at right angles to the direction the wave is travelling, what type of wave is it?

Answer 9

Transverse