4th form Wave Properties

• What are longitudinal waves characterized by?

  Oscillations parallel to wave propagation
• Give two examples of longitudinal waves.

  Sound waves, seismic P-waves
• What are the key features of longitudinal waves?

  Compressions and rarefactions
• What are transverse waves characterized by?

  Oscillations perpendicular to wave propagation
• Give two examples of transverse waves.

  Light waves, water waves
• What are the key features of transverse waves?

  Peaks (crests) and troughs
• What is amplitude in wave properties?

  Maximum displacement from rest position
• How does amplitude affect a wave?

  It determines wave energy
• What is a wavefront?

  A surface where all points are in phase
• What is frequency measured in?

  Hertz (Hz)
• What does wavelength represent?

  Distance between two consecutive points in phase
• What is the period of a wave?

  Time for one complete wave cycle
• How do waves transfer energy and information?

  Without transferring matter
• How do sound waves transfer energy?

  Through air particle oscillation
• What is the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

  Speed = frequency × wavelength
• What are the units for wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

  m/s, Hz, m
• How are frequency and time period related?

  They are inversely related
• What are the units for frequency and time period?

  Hz and seconds (s)
• How can you calculate the speed of sound?

  Using known frequencies and wavelengths
• How can you determine the wavelength of light?

  Using its frequency and speed of light
• What is the Doppler Effect?

  Change in observed frequency and wavelength
• What happens to frequency and wavelength when the source moves toward the observer?

  Frequency increases, wavelength decreases
• Give an example of the Doppler Effect.

  Change in pitch of an ambulance siren
• What happens to frequency and wavelength when the source moves away from the observer?

  Frequency decreases, wavelength increases
• What is redshift in astronomy?

  Change in wavelength due to source movement
• What is wave reflection?

  Waves bounce off surfaces
• Give an example of wave reflection.

  Echoes, light in mirrors
• What does the law of reflection state?

  Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection
• Give an example of wave refraction.

  Light bending in water
• What is wave refraction?

  Waves change speed and direction between media
• What are the additional tips for studying waves?

  • Practice problems using wave equations
  • Study diagrams of wave types and properties
  • Relate Doppler effect to everyday experiences
• What are the key properties of waves?

  • Amplitude
  • Wavefront
  • Frequency
  • Wavelength
  • Period
• What are the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves?

  • Longitudinal: Oscillations parallel, compressions and rarefactions
  • Transverse: Oscillations perpendicular, peaks and troughs