waves

Question 1

what is the definition of a wave

Answer 1

Waves are disturbances that transfer energy through space or a medium without transferring matter

Question 2

classification of waves (3 types)

Answer 2

mechanical waves (require medium)
electromagnetic waves
(can travel through vacuum)
matter waves (associated with motion of particles ; quantum mechanics)

Question 3

4 basic characteristics of waves

Answer 3

amplitude
wavelength
time period
direction of propogation

Question 4

what is wavelength

Answer 4

​The distance between two identical positions on two adjacent waves. It is commonly measured from peak to peak or trough to trough

Question 5

what is time period

Answer 5

The Time period of a sound wave is defined as the time required for one complete cycle

Question 6

what is one cycle defined as?

Answer 6

One cycle of the wave is defined by one complete rarefaction(reduction) and compression in the vibration

Question 7

what can time period also used for?

Answer 7

The time period is also used to find out the frequency of the wave, the reciprocal of the time period gives the frequency of the wave

Question 8

what is frequency ?

Answer 8

The frequency of the sound wave is defined as the number of cycles completed by the wave in 1 second.

number of vibrations created by the wave in one second.

Question 9

equation for frequency

Answer 9

1/T

Question 10

what is velocity?

Answer 10

speed at which a point on the wave travels,

product of frequency x wavelength