Waves

Question 1

Displacement (Waves)

Answer 1

Displacement is the distance moved by the particle from its equilibrium position.

Question 2

Amplitude (Waves)

Answer 2

The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of the particle from its equilibrium position.

Question 3

Wavelength

Answer 3

The wavelength is the distance between 2 successive points on a wave which are in phase with one another.

Question 4

Period (Waves)

Answer 4

The period is the time taken for a particle on the wave to complete one oscillation.

Question 5

Frequency (Waves)

Answer 5

The frequency of a wave is the number of complete oscillations that pass through a given point in 1 second. (Units: Hertz(Hz) or s-1)

Question 6

Compression

Answer 6

A compression is a region where particles are close to one another. (High pressure)

Question 7

Rarefaction

Answer 7

A rarefaction is a region where the particles are further apart. (Low pressure)

Question 8

Phase Difference

Answer 8

Phase Difference (φ) between two particles or two waves tells us how much a particle (or wave) is in front or behind another particle (or wave).

Question 9

Intensity

Answer 9

Intensity of a wave is the rate of transfer of energy per unit area perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave.