Physics

• What is a mechanical wave?

  Disturbances that travel through matter
• How do transverse waves differ from longitudinal waves?

  Transverse waves have vibrations at right angles
• In transverse waves, how are the vibrations oriented?

  At right angles to the direction of travel
• In longitudinal waves, how are the vibrations oriented?

  Parallel to the direction of wave travel
• What is amplitude in wave terminology?

  Maximum displacement from equilibrium position
• How is wavelength defined?

  Length of one wave measured in metres
• What does frequency measure in waves?

  Number of waves passing a point per second
• What does the law of reflection state?

  Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection
• What happens during refraction when light moves from less dense to more dense media?

  Angle of refraction is less than angle of incidence
• What is ultrasound?

  Sound waves above 20,000 Hz
• What is specular reflection?

  Parallel rays reflected in the same direction
• What is diffuse reflection?

  Parallel rays reflected in multiple directions
• How do you calculate wave speed?

  Wave speed = wavelength x frequency
• How do you calculate frequency from the period of a wave?

  Frequency = 1 / period of the wave
• What are the steps to draw ray diagrams for lenses?

  1. Draw the lens and object.
  2. Draw a ray parallel to the principal axis.
  3. Draw a ray through the center of the lens.
  4. Locate and mark the image.
• What is a perfect black body in physics?

  • Absorbs all radiation
  • Emits all radiation perfectly