waves Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is a wave in physics?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter.
True or False: Waves can only travel through solids.
False
Fill in the blank: The distance between two consecutive crests of a wave is called the _____ .
wavelength
What is the formula for wave speed?
Wave speed = frequency × wavelength
What is the unit of frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
True or False: Higher frequency waves have shorter wavelengths.
True
What type of wave is a sound wave?
Longitudinal wave
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of wave? A) Mechanical B) Electromagnetic C) Static D) Matter
C) Static
What is the principle of superposition?
The principle that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.
True or False: Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel.
False
What phenomenon occurs when waves change direction due to a change in medium?
Refraction
Fill in the blank: The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position is called the _____ .
amplitude
What is a standing wave?
A wave that remains in a constant position and does not travel through space.
Multiple Choice: Which wave property is measured in decibels? A) Frequency B) Amplitude C) Wavelength D) Speed
B) Amplitude
What is the Doppler effect?
The change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.
True or False: Waves can interfere constructively or destructively.
True
What is the term for the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a barrier?
Reflection
Fill in the blank: The time it takes for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point is called the _____ .
period
What is the relationship between frequency and period?
Frequency is the reciprocal of the period (frequency = 1/period).
Multiple Choice: Which of the following waves can travel through a vacuum? A) Sound B) Water C) Light D) Seismic
C) Light
What is wave interference?
The phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves meet while traveling along the same medium.
True or False: The speed of sound is faster in air than in water.
False
What do we call the frequency at which a system naturally oscillates?
Natural frequency