Waves

• What equipment is used to measure sound waves?

  Signal generator, microphone, oscilloscope
• What is the formula for wave speed?

  Speed = Distance / Time
• What is the unit of wavelength measurement?

  Metres
• What occurs during reflection and refraction of waves?

  • Reflection: Wave bounces off a boundary
  • Refraction: Wave bends when entering a new medium
  • Angle of incidence: Angle between incoming wave and normal
  • Angle of reflection: Angle between reflected wave and normal
• What is diffuse reflection?

  Reflection on rough surfaces
• What is specular reflection?

  Reflection on smooth surfaces
• What is the normal in wave reflection?

  A line at right angles to the surface
• What are compressions and rarefactions in sound waves?

  Compressions are close particles; rarefactions are spread apart
• What type of waves are sound waves?

  Longitudinal waves
• What is the frequency range for ultrasound?

  Above 20 kHz
• How do seismic waves relate to geological events?

  Produced during volcanoes and earthquakes
• What are the two types of seismic waves?

  P-waves and S-waves
• What are P-waves?

  Longitudinal waves that travel through solids and liquids
• What are S-waves?

  Transverse waves that travel only through solids
• What is the speed of light?

  $3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$
• What are the characteristics of electromagnetic waves?

  • Created by vibrations in electric and magnetic fields
  • Transverse waves
  • Transfer energy from source to absorber
  • Do not need particles to travel
  • Travel at the speed of light
• What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

  Includes waves with different frequencies and wavelengths
• What happens to wavefronts in denser materials?

  They are closer together, indicating slower speed
• What is the wavelength range for radio waves?

  Longer than 20 cm
• How are radio waves generated?

  By oscillating charges
• What causes electrons in the receiver to oscillate?

  Radiowaves propagating through space
• What is the range of long-wave radio waves?

  1 km to 10 km
• What is the range of short-wave radio waves?

  10 m to 100 m
• What are the applications of ultrasound waves?

  • Medical imaging
  • Industrial imaging
  • Echo location
• What are the differences between P-waves and S-waves?

  P-waves:

  • Longitudinal
  • Travel through solids and liquids
  • Faster than S-waves

  
  

  S-waves:

  • Transverse
  • Travel only through solids
  • Slower than P-waves
• What are the properties of electromagnetic waves?

  • Transverse waves
  • Do not require a medium
  • Travel at the speed of light
  • Vary in frequency and wavelength