Properties of waves

Question 1

 State the definition of a transverse wave

Answer 1

oscillations/vibrations are perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer

Question 2

State the definition of a longitudinal wave

Answer 2

oscillations/vibrations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer

Question 3

Give an example of a transverse wave.

Answer 3

electromagnetic waves

Question 4

Give an example of a longitudinal wave.

Answer 4

sound waves

Question 5

State the definition of a compression

Answer 5

area in longitudinal waves where the particles are squashed closer together

Question 6

State the definition of a rarefaction

Answer 6

area in longitudinal waves where the particles are pulled further apart

Question 7

State the definiton of the term amplitude

Answer 7

maximum displacement of a point on the wave from its undisturbed position

Question 8

State the definiton of the term wavelength

Answer 8

distance from a point on one wave to the equivalent point on the adjacent wave

Question 9

State the definiton of the term frequency

Answer 9

number of waves passing a fixed point per second

Question 10

What unit is frequency measured in

Answer 10

hertz (Hz)