Waves

• What happens when waves travel through a medium?

  The particles of the medium vibrate and transfer energy between each other
• What is the amplitude of a wave

  The displacement from the rest position to a crest of trough
• What is the wavelength of a wave

  The length of a full cycle of the wave (like crest to crest)
• What is the frequency of a wave

  The number of complete cycles of a wave passing a certain point per second (wavelength is measured in Hz)
• What’s the period of a wave

  The number of seconds it takes for one full cycle (period= 1/frequecy)
• What are the equations to find the wave speed

  • v = x/t (x is distance)
  • v = f times wavelength
• What three properties of waves can vary significantly?

  Speed, frequency, and wavelength
• Why is it important to have equipment to measure waves in different materials?

  To ensure accurate results
• How do you measure the speed of sound using an oscilloscope?

  1. Set up the oscilloscope.
  2. Align microphone and speaker waveforms.
  3. Measure distance between them (λ).
  4. Use formula: $v =$$fλ$ to find speed.
• What equipment is used to measure the speed of sound?

  Oscilloscope and microphone
• What happens when the frequency of the strobe light matches the wave frequency in water ripples?

  The wave pattern appears to freeze
• How do you measure the speed of water ripples using a strobe light?

  1. Create water waves with a signal generator.
  2. Use a strobe light to visualize wave patterns.
  3. Adjust strobe frequency until waves freeze.
  4. Measure distance between shadow lines for wavelength.
  5. Use $v =$$fλ$ to calculate speed.
• How can you find the speed of waves in solids?

  By measuring the frequency of sound waves
• What does hitting a rod with a hammer produce?

  Waves along the rod and sound waves
• What is the procedure to find the speed of waves in a solid rod?

  1. Measure the length of the rod.
  2. Secure the rod at its center.
  3. Hit the rod with a hammer.
  4. Record the peak frequency displayed.
  5. Calculate speed using $v =$$fλ$, where $λ =$$2 \times \text{length of the rod}$.
• How does the length of the rod relate to the wavelength in the speed calculation?

  The wavelength is twice the length of the rod
• What factor can affect wave speed according to the text?

  How tired the arm is
• Describe an experiment to measure the wavelength of a water wave.

  1. Set up a ripple tank.
  2. Use a signal generator to create waves.
  3. Measure the distance between wave crests.
  4. Calculate the average wavelength.