properties of waves

• What is a transverse wave?

  A wave where particle motion is perpendicular to wave direction
• What is the definition of amplitude?

  Maximum displacement from undisturbed position
• How is amplitude visually represented on a wave?

  As the furthest point the wave vibrates from undisturbed position
• What is the definition of wavelength?

  Distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the next wave
• How can wavelength be measured on a wave?

  From any two equivalent points on adjacent waves
• What is the symbol for wavelength?

  The Greek letter lambda
• How do you measure wavelength in longitudinal waves?

  From one compression to the next compression
• What is the definition of frequency?

  Number of waves passing a point each second
• What is the unit of frequency?

  Hertz
• How many waves correspond to one Hertz?

  One wave per second
• How do you calculate the frequency from a wave diagram?

  Count the total number of waves in one second
• If a wave diagram shows five waves in one second, what is the frequency?

  Five Hertz
• If a wave diagram shows three waves in one second, what is the frequency?

  Three Hertz
• What is the definition of period?

  Time in seconds for one wave to pass a point
• How is the period calculated?

  Period in seconds equals one divided by frequency in Hertz
• If a wave has a frequency of 100 Hertz, what is the period?

  $0.01 \text{ seconds}$
• What is the result of dividing 1 by 100?

  $0.01$
• What are the key properties of waves?

  • Amplitude: Maximum displacement from undisturbed position
  • Wavelength: Distance between equivalent points on adjacent waves
  • Frequency: Number of waves passing a point each second
  • Period: Time for one wave to pass a point
• How do you find the frequency and period of a wave from a diagram?

  1. Count the number of waves in one second for frequency.
  2. Use the formula: Period = 1 / Frequency.
• What hazards are associated with ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays?


  They can be hazardous to the human body
• What is emitted by lithium atoms when heated?

  Red light
• How are electromagnetic waves produced when atoms are heated?

  Electrons move to higher energy levels
• What happens when an electron returns to its original energy level?

  It generates an electromagnetic wave
• What type of electromagnetic wave can be emitted from the nucleus of radioactive atoms?

  Gamma rays
• What happens to the nucleus after emitting a gamma ray?

  It has less energy than before
• What can happen when electromagnetic waves are absorbed by atoms?

  Electrons can change energy levels
• What is the frequency range of emitted and absorbed electromagnetic waves?

  From radio waves to gamma rays
• What is the risk associated with ultraviolet waves?

  Increased risk of skin cancer
• What type of radiation are x-rays and gamma rays classified as?

  Ionizing radiation
• What can x-rays and gamma rays cause when absorbed?

  Mutation of genes
• How is the dose of radiation measured?

  In sieverts or millisieverts
• How can radio waves be produced?

  When electrons oscillate in an electrical circuit
• What does the term "oscillate" mean in the context of radio waves?

  Move backwards and forwards
• What happens when radio waves are absorbed by an electrical circuit in an aerial?

  Electrons in the circuit oscillate
• What can the oscillation of electrons create in relation to radio waves?

  An alternating current with the same frequency
• What are the hazards of electromagnetic radiation?

  • Ultraviolet waves: increase skin cancer risk
  • X-rays: ionizing radiation causing gene mutations
  • Gamma rays: ionizing radiation causing gene mutations
• What are the key processes involved in the generation and absorption of electromagnetic waves?

  • Electrons move to higher energy levels
  • Electromagnetic waves are emitted when electrons return
  • Changes in the nucleus can emit gamma rays
  • Absorption can cause electrons to change energy levels
• How do radio waves interact with electrical circuits?

  • Radio waves cause electrons to oscillate
  • Oscillation creates an alternating current
  • Frequency of current matches frequency of waves